Landmark funding secured for Belfast’s night transport

Belfast’s nightlife is set for a major boost following confirmation of £650,000 in funding for a year-long night transport pilot: a breakthrough championed by Belfast City Centre Night Czar, Michael Stewart.

The initiative will see late-night Metro and Ulsterbus services running every weekend until at least November 2026, improving safety and accessibility for workers and visitors across the city.

“This is a landmark moment,” Stewart told LCN. “Reliable, affordable transport isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It means workers can get home safely, people can stay out later, and Belfast can compete on a level playing field with other UK cities.”

The funding announcement follows months of campaigning. In May, Stewart launched an open letter to the First and Deputy First Ministers calling for year-round late-night transport. The letter, signed by 1,002 businesses and organisations including Visit Belfast, NI Chamber, and BWUH Ltd., demonstrated overwhelming cross-sector support.

“The response showed just how vital transport is for our night-time economy,” Stewart said. “We’ve shown that when Stormont, councils, and business work together, real progress happens.”

He concluded with a call to action: “This is just the start. Use it or lose it.”