Commemorative tickets for upgraded line

The Coleraine-Derry line closed in July 2012 for a £17m track upgrade, which took around nine months to complete.

And when the 9.42am train leaves Londonderry's platform on Sunday, 24 March, it will be the first passenger service travelling on the new upgraded line.

Later that morning, the first timetabled service will leave Coleraine at 10.52am marking an historic day for the service.

Over 85,000 households located close to the railway line between Ballymena and Derry will receive a new North West Train Timetable and a discounted ticket in a bid to promote the revamped service.

Mal McGreevy, Translink General Manager - Rail Services, said that the re-opening of the railway line and the start of scheduled passenger services marks a significant milestone in the development of the rail network in the North West.

"We would now encourage passengers to familiarise themselves with the new train timetable to help plan their journeys.

"Every week-day, the first train into Derry~Londonderry will arrive at 8.25am and we expect this to be a popular morning service for both commuters and students.

"Translink is the official Public Transport Partner to the UK City of Culture and the railway line will also play a key role in bringing visitors to the range of exciting events and celebrations planned throughout the year."

He also took the opportunity to remind the public of the dangers associated with rail tracks.

"We would remind them that the rules are simple - don't use the tracks as a shortcut; on the platform always wait behind the yellow line; never mess around near the tracks; use railway crossings safely and motorists should never be tempted to jump the lights or beat the barriers at railway crossings," Mr McGreevy said.

"The journey itself features some spectacular scenery that can all be enjoyed from the comfort of modern trains making it a very relaxing way to travel.

"March 24 will certainly be a very exciting day," he added.