AQW 29879/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 16/02/2022
Answered On Date: 02/03/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to the rising cost of living, what assessment she has made of the cost of (i) rail travel; and (ii) bus travel with regard to attracting more people to avail of public transport.

Answer:

During my time in office, I have delivered on my commitment to make public transport a key component on how we can tackle the climate emergency and better connect communities across the island of Ireland.

In light of the rising cost of living and the impact inflation is having on our citizens, I have taken the decision to freeze fares on our bus and rail services to help them through this difficult financial time.

I also hope that this measure will encourage more people to use public transport as we seek to make Northern Ireland a sustainable place to live, work.