By Michael Kenwood

Copyright belfastlive

Belfast has moved closer to a new late night bus service, after Belfast councillors agreed to co-fund with Stormont an extended late night public transport pilot. At a Belfast City Council committee meeting on Friday, elected representatives welcomed a proposal from Stormont for a pilot extension of late night public transport, lasting for a year. Councillors at the City Hall Strategic Policy and Resources Committee (September 19) agreed to provide funding of up to £92.3K to the pilot, subject to confirmation of funding support from the Executive, and further engagement with business district BIDS. The agreement however was qualified, with some councillors criticising Stormont for making the council foot some of the bill, while others called for devolution of transport powers to the council, as is the practice in the rest of the UK, and most of Europe. READ MORE: Empty Royal Avenue building in prime city spot approved for facelift READ MORE: Belfast Council officials admit they don’t have the money for lighting parks for 24 hour opening No details of the proposed pilot have been agreed yet, including routes and prices, and whether trains will be involved. So far Stormont has made a reference to a weekend service, which it states “could commence during November 2025.” In a letter from the Minister for Infrastructure Liz Kimmins and the Minister for the Economy Caoimhe Archibald to Belfast Council, it was proposed that six Stormont departments each pay between £92.4K and £94.9 towards the pilot, while Belfast Council would pay £92.3K. The total amount will be £651,300. The letter states: “Providing this extended late-night weekend public transport service will provide a range of both economic and societal benefits, including improved connectivity to communities outside of the city centre, facilitating people to get home safely, and improved access to cultural activities in the city centre. “(It will also) reduce potential for public order issues in the city centre on Friday and Saturday evenings, leading to reduced policing costs and reduced pressure on health services. (It will also) reduce potential for violence against women and girls.” It adds: “Late night public transport services are not currently provided for within DFI’s Public Service Agreement with Translink , and are not covered within the Department’s current budget allocation. Translink have previously provided a Night Mover service in advance of Christmas on a commercial basis, meaning higher costs for users and the absence of concessionary travel. “We believe, with the necessary funding arrangements in place, extended nighttime public transport services could commence during November 2025, when the traditional pre-Christmas Night Movers service would normally begin. The service would then be extended beyond the normal festive period, on a one year pilot basis, on select Metro routes as well as four key Ulsterbus corridors that have no rail alternative.” At the Belfast Council S, P and R meeting on Friday, SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite , who has led the charge at City Hall for an extended night service, welcomed the Stormont proposals, but with qualifications. He said: “I am glad we are getting to the point where we are seeing a year round pilot emerging. I do share the frustrations that once again we are again seeing the Executive coming to the council, cap in hand, asking us to supplement something that is within the authority of an Executive department. We see this far too often. “Stormont departments are happy for us to step in and do their work for them, but not actually pass on either the responsibility or funding of those particular issues. We need to see some devolution of some of those powers down to Belfast City Council so we can actually get on with some of the work.” He said: “A night bus service is something I have campaigned for since before I became a councillor, which feels like a very long time ago. Safe and reliable public transport is something that has to be achieved, and it is the case that the absence of that has been a barrier to growth for our culture and arts sector, as well as hospitality businesses. “It is also something that has put people off coming in, because they feel unsafe. It has been a particular obstacle for women coming to the city centre. “There have been conversations about the concept of a Women’s Safety Charter, and that is something I would like to see the council bring forward. But at this stage if we can move forward with this pilot, and when success is demonstrated, I think there can be no excuse from the Department for Infrastructure not to properly and fully fund this.” Green Party Councillor Brian Smyth said at the meeting: “We desperately need to support our night time economy, and help ease some of the perception that the city centre isn’t safe, despite statistics showing it is one of the safest cities in Europe. “I have heard people say that getting into the city centre is all well and good, but getting out of it is a different matter. Some don’t feel safe, particularly women. Businesses in the city centre have been crying out for it for years – I have spoken to live venue (owners) who say they have noticed people are leaving early, at 10.30pm and 11pm to get the last buses and trains. So this is a no-brainer.” He added: “There is a wider issue, that we are the only local authority of our size in Western Europe, outside Luxembourg City, that doesn’t have devolved transport powers. I think the Department for Infrastructure as a government department is too big, and they are not fit for purpose – it is not about pinning any particular minister, it is a historical (problem). “I think there is something wrong with Stormont coming to help us fund this, when that is the job they exist to do. And for all the amount of it, around £650K, compared to DfI’s overall budget, which is over £700 million.” Councillor Smyth made a proposal to write to Stormont to have transport powers devolved to councils. This was not accepted, and lost on a count of 12 to three, with Sinn Féin and the DUP against the proposal while Alliance, the SDLP and Greens were in support. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter