Ministers Kimmins and Archibald welcome Executive support for late night public transport services
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald have welcomed NI Executive support for extended late night public transport services for Belfast.
Minister Kimmins and Minister Archibald have worked with Executive colleagues and Belfast City Council to secure a commitment for a funding package to extend the service through a one-year pilot scheme.
Minister Kimmins said:
“My Department is committed to improving our transport infrastructure for safer travel and connected communities and I am delighted that we have support to progress this scheme to help improve connectivity for people who want to travel in and out of the city.
“Late night public transport services are in high demand and encourage behavioural shift while supporting the nighttime economy and improving safety as people return home in the evenings.
"Providing this service for a 12-month pilot will provide a more consistent and dependable service, which will help stimulate demand.”
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald had agreed a joint funding approach to the scheme with the Department for Infrastructure.
Minister Archibald said:
“I am committed to supporting the development of a safe, thriving and diverse night-time economy. Reliable, late night-transport is key to this. My Department has collaborated with Tourism NI and the three Belfast Business Improvement Districts to commission research into the night-time economy in Belfast, Derry and Enniskillen. The interim findings estimate up to £2.5million could be added to the value of Belfast’s night-time economy by extending late-night public transport, far exceeding the cost to deliver the service.
“The night-time economy is a major economic driver, supporting many businesses and jobs right across the north. I welcome this pilot and the collaborative approach to an important issue in making us an attractive place to live, work and visit. I look forward to seeing the pilot rolled out, and seeing its impact and the invaluable evidence it will provide to inform potential future provision of late-night services in Belfast and other towns and cities.”
Notes to editors:
- The total estimated costs for the pilot are in the region of £650k.
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