Translink has added extra services on the 212 route between Belfast and Derry during the morning peak after identifying capacity pressures throughout September.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the company experienced higher-than-normal demand from the start of the month. An initial assessment pointed to a combination of factors, including the return of university students and a rail line closure.

The rail closure between Derry and Coleraine on September 19, 20 and 21 led some passengers to switch from train to the 212 bus instead of using the bus substitution service to Coleraine and transferring. This placed exceptional pressure on scheduled 212 services.

Ms Kimmins said Translink is now providing additional capacity on 212 services from Belfast to Derry during the morning peak while continuing to assess demand.

Longer term, the minister said Translink plans to align services with student demand patterns at the University of Ulster campuses at Magee and attract a shift from car use.