Stewart
voices concerns at potential cuts to Translink bus services
Ulster Unionist
Infrastructure spokesperson John Stewart MLA has expressed his concerns at
proposed cuts to rural and ‘socially necessary’ bus routes due to budgetary
pressures.
John Stewart
MLA said:
“I share the
concerns of many people at reports that Translink may be poised to cut a number
of ‘unprofitable’ bus services by 2020 due to a lack of funding.
“I am
particularly concerns at the Department for Infrastructure’s reported comments
that rural and ‘socially necessary’ routes would be hardest hit.
“This could
affect whole swathes of Northern Ireland including some areas of my own constituency and would have a major impact on the
elderly and young families who do not have access to a car. The loss of bus
routes would increase social isolation and loneliness and potentially affect
the mental health and well-being of people.
“I fully
understand that departments are having to operate under severe budgetary
constraints and that difficult decisions need to be taken.
“This is the
type of situation is a perfect example of why we need to get Stormont back up
and running, with local Ministers in place and local MLAs fighting to protect
services and budgets. That is exactly why I got involved in politics in the
first place.
“Hard decisions
will still need to be taken regarding budgets but Stormont should be having an
input.”
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