SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA has blamed an Executive failure to properly fund Translink as responsible for potential service cuts.
He was speaking after Translink told Stormont’s Infrastructure Committee they were considering the removal of fare discounts, alongside cutting services to make savings.
Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said:
“The news that Translink are considering cutting services and removing fare discounts will be of great concern to everyone who relies on these services. This is a direct result of the Executive’s failure to properly invest in public transport and Translink in particular and now it will be the public that pay the price. Worryingly it will be the most marginalised who will be disadvantaged including students, disabled and elderly people, and rural isolated communities.
“Instead of cuts we should have been looking at expanding our public transport offering to take cars off our roads and lower harmful vehicle emissions. Taking away incentives and choice would be a retrograde step at a time when we are failing to deal with the climate crisis.
“We acknowledge the difficult financial picture facing the Executive, but government is about choices and they continue to make the wrong decisions or none at all. The lack of a multi-year Budget or Budget of any kind is leaving organisations like Translink facing an uncertain financial future and that will lead to situations like this that damage our public transport offering and hurt people who rely on it every day.”
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 