No plans to reintroduce Easibus

TRANSPORT Minister Danny Kennedy has reiterated his predecessor’s view that the decision to scrap the former Easibus service to Waterside and Drumahoe last June was based on an assessment of alternative services provided by Translink and the existence of Door-to-Door services provided under contract.

The Minister confirmed he has no plans to reintroduce the service but equally advised that no decision had been taken to discontinue a similar service in Belfast before 2014.

Mr Kennedy explained: “Easibus services in Bangor and Londonderry were discontinued in June 2010. This decision was based on an assessment of alternative services provided by Translink and the existence of Door-to-Door services provided under contract.

“At this time I have no plans to review this decision. No decision has been made to discontinue Easibus services in Belfast by 2014 and the Department continues to provide support to Translink for services in that location.”

The city’s sole Easibus service - running from Londonderry city centre to Drumahoe and serving many areas of the Waterside including King Street, Glendermott Road, Rossdowney Road, Kilfennan, Woodburn, Lisnagelvin, Irish Street and Altnagelvin - was scrapped last June.

According to the DRD’s Budget 2011-15 document it was largely duplicated by the existing bus network in the city and was deemed surplus to requirements.

Mainly serving people with mobility impairments it was scrapped last June and cost Translink approximately £180,000 to operate over the previous three years. It was subsidised to the tune of approximately £97,800 by DRD during that time.