AQW 15084/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 16/09/2024
Answered On Date: 03/10/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) what plans he has to increase funding for Community Transport to enable service users to make use of more than two journeys per week; and (ii) whether he has any plans to conduct a wider review of transport, including (a) public transport; (b) health and social care transport; and (c) community transport, to maximise travel options in rural areas.

Answer:

I recognise the value of community transport services to those who use them in our rural and urban areas. Following consideration of the Budget Equality Impact Assessment Consultation responses, and in conjunction with the June monitoring round, I have increased funding for these services by 4.2% based on the levels awarded in 2023/24. This increase is not as much as I would like to provide but it is a significant increase and will hopefully help alleviate some of the pressures faced by service providers.

Officials are currently preparing a new Transport Strategy and a new suite of Transport Plans that will set the framework for transport policy and investment decisions up until 2035. The suite of Transport Plans will not consider changes to Community Transport operations as these matters are being considered separately by the Department at a regional level and will be integrated into the Plans as appropriate. Health and Social Care Transport is the responsibility for the Department of Health. However, the Transport Plans will consider access, including by Public Transport, to the main Health and Social Care facilities.

I am keen to progress a NI-wide phased review of the Public Transport Network. I am pleased that the first part of this has commenced with a review of the Ulsterbus network, including school transport provision. The review will balance efficiency with the need to facilitate modal shift from private cars to public transport whilst taking account of our economic and transport policies to deliver a financially sustainable and accessible network.

I recently met with Executive colleagues to explore if community transport can support other transport activities across government. I am also considering the first phase of a Community Transport Review, which is examining how to support the delivery of community transport, including in rural areas, and ensure that we make the most effective use of the funding that is available.