AQW 14499/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 05/09/2024
Answered On Date: 20/09/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will (i) carry out a review into the safety of rural bus stops, to identify those that do not have a shelter or appropriate lighting; and (ii) produce a report that includes recommendations for safety improvements.

Answer:

I recognise that all bus shelters, whether in rural or urban communities, are an integral part of the public transport service and provide passengers with shelter and safety from the elements whilst waiting for bus services.

I know that Translink regularly receive requests for the provision of new bus shelters at stops throughout the North from passenger focus groups, members of the public, community and elected representatives. There is also a need to replace/refurbish the existing shelters in order to maintain their levels of condition.

My officials are currently considering a business case from Translink seeking to replace/refurbish existing bus shelters over a ten-year period. This will also include installing several new bus shelters across the public transport network. This work will be progressed subject to the availability of funding.