Antrim hospital stop for 212 is being ‘analysed’ says Mallon

The ‘Maiden City Flyer’ would fly a little less swiftly if it had to come off the M2 at Antrim Town but the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said it was under consideration nonetheless.

DUP MP for Mid Ulster Keith Buchanan recently raised a stop at the hospital in the context of transport connections from South Derry and East Tyrone.

He asked if any alterations would be made to the 212 Derry to Belfast Service to include stopping at the Northern Trust facility.

Ms. Mallon said such an intervention was being analysed but she warned that an extra stop for the 212 at Antrim could make the bus service less attractive for commuters.

“Whilst the current works on the A6 will reduce the journey times, this saving has the potential to make the 212 express service more attractive for commuters travelling on the Belfast to Derry route,” said the minister.

But the time-saving would likely not be enough to offset the negative reaction of commuters to an additional stop.

“Given the time it would take to exit and re-join the motorway, a stop to this service at the hospital could have a negative impact on increasing its overall attractiveness to commuters. This is being analysed. As an alternative for those travelling from the North West, Translink currently advise passengers to use the train service alighting at Antrim Station and taking the local 321E connection which serves the Hospital,” said the transport minister.

Other alternative transport options were also being considered for people living in the wider East Tyrone and South Derry area, said Ms. Mallon.

“Translink is currently developing a proposal for the provision of direct bus service between Cookstown and Antrim hospital. Subject to discussion with the Mid Ulster Council, a Monday–Friday service could be introduced in April 2020,” she said.