Overhaul on transport proposed for NI

12 November 2009

The Northern Ireland Executive has announced plans for a major reform of its ‘outdated’ public transport network.

Transport minister Conor Murphy has outlined proposals to restructure the arrangements for the planning and delivery of public transport in order to provide an ‘efficient, affordable’ service.

The Northern Ireland Assembly would establish a public transport agency within the Department for Regional Development in order to bring about the changes. The agency would be responsible for the planning of public transport, specifying which services are required, and managing contracts to achieve the best possible service.

A consultation has been launched on the moves to introduce local transport plans and performance-based contracts that monitor bus companies’ reliability, punctuality and customer service.

An improved integration of timetables and ticketing between different transport modes also features, as does a joined-up approach to decision making on public transport and road-space usage. This will include bus priority, park and ride, car parks and traffic management.

Mr Murphy said: ‘I want to make public transport people’s first choice, not last resort. Our public transport legislation is outdated – it is over 40 years since the last major revision.

‘These significant reform proposals will ensure the provision of a customer-focused, high quality, integrated public transport system that will put a greater focus on delivering efficient, affordable services that are responsive to local needs.’

The arrangements would bring all the public transport functions currently spread across a number of government departments together with publicly-owned operator, Translink.

‘I have ruled out privatisation,’ Mr Murphy added. ‘Public transport will continue to operate within a regulated system, and Translink, as our publicly owned transport operator, will continue to be the main provider of public transport.’

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