AQW 32658/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 02/10/2025
Answered On Date: 14/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the engagement her Department has had with young people in rural areas, regarding transport provision to and from youth services, over the last two years.

Answer:

My Department does not directly engage with young people in rural areas regarding transport provision. However, Translink set up the Translink Youth Forum in 2009 to provide a supportive and enabling mechanism for children and young people to give their views, share their experiences, identify their needs and contribute their ideas on passenger transport in the North. Children and young people’s participation and voice are important in the delivery of Translink services. Translink has made it a key priority to better understand the needs and expectations of young people. Representing almost 40% of its customer base, Translink wants young people to be proud of their public transport services and for Translink “To be Your First Choice for Travel in the North”.

Other ways that Translink engages with young people is with Team Translink’s engagement at schools, colleges and universities on a weekly basis. They provide an opportunity for Team Translink to have open conversations with young people, and they highlight any notable feedback and opportunities back to the Youth Forum to discuss.