AQW 13188/22-27
Mr Matthew O'Toole
Social Democratic and Labour Party
South Belfast
Tabled Date: 10/06/2024
Answered On Date: 25/06/2024
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of the feasibility to introduce night-time public transport in Belfast.
Answer:
This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows: “Nightmover late night services are usually in place from late November through to Christmas. During this period, patronage is strong as a result of the nighttime economy and as we ramp up marketing and promotional activity. If permanent night time services were to be delivered under Translink’s normal fare structure, we would require additional financial support or "pump priming" to commence the service and bridge the gap until it began to generate sufficient revenue to sustain itself. It is useful to note that, in similar contexts, public transport operators have observed a growth in passenger numbers not just on the newly introduced night-time services, but also on the service network more widely. In other words, a positive ripple effect in use of public transport.” For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact Translink directly at aqw.request@translink.co.uk. Making direct contact with Translink will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources. In addition to the operational response from Translink, my Department is not currently in a position to provide additional funding for these additional services. As a result, the introduction of any services must be commercially viable. My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. The value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated, and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure appropriate investment is made.
|