AQW 466/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 17/01/2020
Answered On Date: 03/02/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) how she will ensure affordable, accessible transport will be delivered by the Community Transport network; and (ii) when will issues in relation to the section 10B permit be resolved.

Answer:

(i)I recognise the valuable role that the Community Transport network plays in connecting people, some of whom are the most vulnerable in our society, to opportunities including accessing essential local services and more actively participating in society. Community transport provides opportunities to enhance lives by increasing access to local services and allows communities to more actively participate in society. The severe constraints in my Department’s budgets over recent years has resulted in reduced funding across a range of areas including community transport creating significant pressures. I am currently assessing those pressures across my Department reflecting on my priorities, the commitments in "New Decade: New Approach" and the budget made available for the period ahead. I will be bringing a clear focus on connecting people through sustainable and accessible public transport services. I look forward to assessing all options to develop affordable, accessible community transport.

(ii) I understand there have been a number of concerns regarding 10B Permits, in particular the Department’s guidance for operators. My Department is continuing to liaise with the Department for Transport (DfT) to determine the implications for Northern Ireland of the recent High Court Judgement made in England on non-commercial operations and any revised guidance which DfT may issue for operators on this matter.