Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has raised concerns about bus capacity on the Castledawson to Derry route after constituents reported being unable to board due to lack of space.

McGlone said his office was contacted by several constituents who could not get on Translink buses at the start of September. Some waited an hour for the next bus only to find it also full. One elderly couple waited more than two hours and missed three buses before other passengers gave up their seats, leaving those passengers stranded.

He has asked the Minister for Infrastructure what assessment of passenger capacity was made on the route and what additional provision was put in place for September, when demand typically rises with students returning to university and colleges in Derry.

McGlone said it was unbelievable Translink did not foresee the increase in demand and questioned the lack of extra buses. He called for additional services to prevent further passengers being stranded and said Translink must ensure the failure does not happen again.

Translink has not yet commented publicly on the issue.