AQW 22289/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 13/09/2021
Answered On Date: 21/09/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following the restart of schools and colleges, what consideration has been given to reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection on public transport.

Answer:

In preparation for the return of schools and colleges, Translink has worked closely with the Education Authority to devise a set of measures that will help minimise the risk of widespread transmission amongst pupils and students whilst travelling on public transport. These measures include an on-going poster campaign across all vehicles, stations and education buildings reminding pupils of the importance of following the public health guidance. This is in addition to the existing range of measures Translink has deployed to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to help protect all passengers such as encouraging good hand hygiene (hand sanitiser is provided in all main bus and train stations), compulsory wearing of face coverings on trains and buses, maintaining good ventilation on board all vehicles and advising passengers to consider travelling off-peak where possible. Passengers are also encouraged to use contactless payment methods as a further measure to help protect against the spread of the virus. In addition, every vehicle in service receives a daily enhanced clean which includes wiping down all key touch point areas with an anti-viral sanitising agent along with regular swab testing of vehicle surfaces to verify the effectiveness of this process.

Translink will continue to monitor passenger numbers and liaise with the Education Authority and other key stakeholders on how best to manage the safe transportation of pupils and students to and from schools and colleges as restrictions ease.

The Strangford Ferry is also used to transport school children. The measures put in place in 2020, which include additional cleaning, social distancing arrangements and dedicated passenger only sailings to facilitate school children, remain in place.

You can be reassured that the health and safety of all passengers remains a key priority for me, my Department and our public transport providers as we continue to recover from the pandemic.