Mid Ulster SDLP representatives criticise Translink’s failure to cope with increased commuter demand for public transport
SDLP Mid Ulster representatives Patsy McGlone MLA and Cllr Malachy Quinn have criticised Translink’s failure to meet the demand for commuter bus travel to Belfast as fuel prices rise.
The Mid Ulster MLA, Patsy McGlone, has asked the Minister for Infrastructure Assembly Questions about the passenger capacity on the routes from Dungannon to Belfast, via the Tamnamore Roundabout Park and Ride facility, and the Castledawson to Belfast, via Toome.
He has also asked what additional provision had been made for the increase in demand as more commuters choose public transport as fuel prices continue to rise.
Mr McGlone said: “Increasing numbers of constituents have been contacting my office about the lack of available spaces on the Translink bus service from Dungannon to Belfast, via Tamnamore Roundabout Park and Ride, and on the Castledawson to Belfast route, via Toome.
“With the cost of fuel continuing to rise more commuters in Mid Ulster are choosing public transport as the only viable option for their morning and evening journeys to work in Belfast.
“However, they are frequently being left behind at the designated boarding stops in Toome, and at the Tamnamore Park and Ride, because of a lack of seats on the buses.”
Cllr Quinn added: “The rising cost of fuel is driving an increase in demand for public transport by regular commuters in Mid Ulster.
“People are choosing the economically sensible, and environmentally friendly, option of public transport over private cars. But Translink are letting them down by not providing sufficient buses to meet the increased demand on these routes.
“At Tamnamore Park and Ride it is now not uncommon to see queues of commuters forced to decide between abandoning their attempts to use public transport or wait for another bus and risk being late for work in the morning.”
Mr McGlone added: “I have asked the Minister for Infrastructure for details of the assessment of capacity on these routes, and what additional provision had been made for the increase in demand as fuel prices continue to rise.
“Translink have a responsibility to provide the bus service needed to meet that demand and, as representatives of the people of Mid Ulster, we will continue to press the Minister to ensure that service is delivered.”