'Too many breakdowns on Belfast-Derry line' - O'Loan

His comments were made last Wednesday in the wake of a breakdown of a north-bound train on the line.

“I understand that this morning people were stuck for over two hours in a train between Ballymoney and Coleraine,” he said.

climb off

Passengers on the 6.50am Belfast to Derry service had to climb off the train using ladders after it ground to a halt due to mechanical failure.

Passengers reported being stranded at Dunloy for two hours without heating, which was affected by the failure, before buses were provided.

“This is not the first such incident and as long as the line is starved of the investment it needs, it won’t be the last,” said Mr O’Loan.

“There are quite simply too many breakdowns on this line.

“Public transport is caught in a vicious circle of poor service leading to dwindling passenger numbers and further lack of investment.

“The only way to break out of the circle is by strategic investment,” he said.

A Translink spokeswoman confirmed that the 6.50am service from Belfast to Derry had been delayed “due to mechanical difficulties.

“We apologise to passengers for inconvience caused,.” he said.