Max HeyraudBelfast’s Night Czar, Michael Stewart, is calling on the Executive Office to fund permanent late-night bus and rail services every weekend of the year.
The letter urges the Executive Office to fund extended late-night bus and rail services, highlighting growing demand and widespread support from the city’s business and nightlife community.
“It is evident that reliable, late-night transport is not just a convenience but a necessity for sustaining and growing Belfast’s NTE,” Stewart writes. “This should not be viewed as a cost but rather as an investment in our city and the wider region.”
During the 2024 Christmas period, over 17,000 passengers used late-night transport, a 50% increase from 2022. Despite this success, Belfast remains the only UK capital without a permanent late-night offering.
The call is backed by Free The Night, who are encouraging venues, organisations, and promoters* to sign:
“We fully support Michael Stewart’s proposal, and we at Free The Night agree that funding night time transport shouldn’t be seen as another cost, but rather an investment in Northern Ireland’s economy and our city’s culture.”
You can sign the letter here.
