Translink to launch Ylink training scheme to instruct students on how to tap their cards correctly 

By Katie McShane

Belfast’s Transport service ‘Translink’ has recently announced a new scheme aimed at Queen’s and Ulster students aged between 18 and 22. The announcement came following an issue raised at the last Belfast Bus Union (BBU) AGM in December. Multiple complaints were made against students unable to tap their card as efficiently as possible. 

It was later reported following an investigation that Ylink misuse has delayed buses by approximately 12 seconds per stop, culminating in over an hour delay altogether. This is widely claimed to be the main cause for traffic around Belfast’s City Centre. When asked to comment, the Department of Infrastructure was able to tell me “Ohhhh yes, That’s the problem, mhm, checks out”.  

 I spoke to one bus driver who wished to remain anonymous. This man was a happy and content bus driver for 15 years before Ylinks were introduced. Since their inclusion, he has reported symptoms such as irritability, sleeplessness, gastrointestinal issues, and balding (though admits the last one may be unrelated). When prompted to explain why students are having such a tough time understanding the Ylink system, he simply responded that if he had to instruct one more student on “how to tap thur fuckin card” he would “grab them by thur wee tote bag and boot them back to Donegal”.  

An assembly has been put together of bus drivers, Translink officials, and representatives from NUS UK with the aim of drafting a suitable instruction scheme and new legislation on bus etiquette. Currently, they are debating fines for delays as being “The going rate for a vanilla iced matcha” but I’m told talks have been delayed over discourse on the exact order of getting on the bus and paying. Two factions have formed over whether its ‘Tap Card, State Stop, Pay’ or ‘State Stop, Tap Card, Pay’ with even bus drivers unsure on which they prefer.  

Despite the quarrels, Translink have generously continued bus services for the time being. More information to come.