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Demand for the Glider service in East Belfast has prompted Translink to introduce a new express bus service.

The new Urby express bus service will be introduced during the morning peak period from Dundonald Park and Ride and a return service from the for the Europa for evening and afternoon peak.

It comes as Translink reported a 17% growth in passenger numbers using the Glider and customers complained of overcrowding on the service.

The new service is set to complement the Glider at peak times.

Ian Campbell, Director of Operations at Translink , said: "The east Belfast route has been particularly successful, with increasing numbers of passengers at Glider halts on the Newtownards Road. Building on this success, from Monday 22 October we will introduce a new Urby express bus service, number 655, from Dundonald Park & Ride, similar to services at other Park and Ride sites.

"The service to the city centre will depart at 7.20am, 7.45am, 8.20am and 8.45am, picking up at Cherry Hill and Ulster Hospital.

"A return service will also operate for the afternoon/evening peak departing Europa Buscentre at 3.50pm, 4.25pm, 5pm and 5.40pm and picking up at Custom House Square and Lanyon Place."

The Urby services were recently introduced at other Park & Ride facilities at Blacks Road, Cairnshill and Sprucefield, and Translink said they have received a lot of positive feedback.

Mr Campbell added: "The Urby service will complement other services in the east of the city including Glider, as we progress through the busy autumn and run up to Christmas."

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