Overview

Public transport has an essential role to play in the economy and community of Northern Ireland. An effective public transport system: (i) helps grow the economy by bringing workers and jobs together; (ii) improves the environment by promoting a more sustainable form of transport, which can reduce pollution and congestion; and (iii) provides a lifeline for older people, people living in rural areas and those with disabilities. In this regard, the Committee recognises the key role played by those who work on our buses and trains, and would pay tribute to them for the level of customer service provided. Over the last decade or so, public transport has enjoyed significant investment, which has included providing new fleets of trains and buses. Despite this, however, public transport remains relatively underfunded compared to Great Britain. The growth in rail travel in Northern Ireland, from 2002 onwards, represents a clear successstory, however, this has not been repeated in buses. In addition, there has been a failure to achieve the aspiration of the Regional Transport Strategy for a modal shift towards public transport. Translink has recently integrated its management structure, bringing together bus and rail operations. The governance arrangements for public transport have not provided enough scrutiny and transparency to drive value for money relative to the sums of taxpayers money involved. There has been a marked complacency in the scrutiny applied by both the Department and the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC) - Translink's Board. Much more should be done to challenge inefficiencies.

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