AQW 39753/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 03/12/2014
Answered On Date: 22/12/2014
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of complaints received by Translink bus and rail services in the last year on the provision of transport services for users who have a disability.

Answer:

Officials requested that Translink’s Disability Accessibility Officer complete a high level analysis of the general bus complaints category to establish the level and nature of complaints. This revealed there were a total of 52 complaints in relation to bus services since 1 January 2014: forty one individual written complaints in relation to Ulsterbus Services, involving subjects such as access to service, design of vehicles , staff related issues, scooter access to buses and trains and the booking policy for wheelchair users on Goldline services; and eleven complaints in relation to Metro, regarding ramps, access to the wheelchair space or staff related issues .

In Northern Ireland Railways there is a category within its system where complaints can be attributed as coming from or linked to a passenger with a disability. Records show that there have been 8 complaints recorded in this category since January 2014.

Translink employ a Disability Accessibility Officer who engages on a regular basis with groups who represent people with disabilities. He is a member of the Inclusive Mobility Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) which provide advice and guidance in relation to people with disabilities using public transport.