Minister issues report on Public Transport Reform Consultation

Transport Minister Conor Murphy, today announced the publication of a consultation report on his proposals to reform the public transport system here.

The Minister said: “Following the completion of an extensive consultation exercise, I am pleased to present this report today. The reform proposals contained in the report will ensure the provision of a high quality, integrated public transport system that will put a greater focus on delivering efficient, affordable services that are responsive to local customer needs.”

The public consultation took place between November 2009 and February 2010. During this period, the Department for Regional Development held a series of public meetings, met with various stakeholders, and received 103 written responses.

The proposed policy changes contained in the report include a power for the Department to award contracts for the provision of public transport services, the creation of a public transport service permit system, the regulation of fares and a power to allow the Department to designate bus stations as “shared facilities”.

The Department now plans to seek Executive agreement to introduce a Bill into the Assembly in June 2010 to legislate for these proposed policy changes.

The consultation report and the associated final equality impact assessment are available on the Department’s website. Copies are also available by e-mailing PublicTransportReform@drdni.gov.uk, by telephoning (028) 9054 0225 or by textphone at (028) 9054 0642.

Notes to editors:

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