The Transport Accessibility Statistics Northern Ireland report has been published today

This report presents statistics and data relating to transport accessibility in Northern Ireland. It is an official statistics report produced by the Department for Infrastructure’s (DfI) Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch (ASRB). The report brings together a range of information from various sources.

The publication is available on the new DfI Transport Accessibility Statistics webpage.

KEY POINTS

Census 2021

• The usually resident population of Northern Ireland on census day, 21 March 2021, was 1,903,175. One person in four (24.3% or 463,000 people) had a limiting long-term health problem or disability.
• Almost one quarter (24.3%) of all those who live in a household and whose day-to-day activities are limited, did not have a car or van available for use; the corresponding figure for those whose day-to-day activities are not limited was 10.1%.

Continuous Household Survey 2021-22

• In 2021-22, 67% of all respondents said that they were satisfied with walking conditions in their area. The figure for those with a disability was 64%, which was significantly different to those without a disability (69%).
• In 2021/22, less than half (46%) of respondents said they were satisfied with cycling in their area. There was no significant difference between the results for those with or without a disability (44% and 47% respectively).
• Almost 8 in 10 (79%) respondents said they were ‘satisfied’ with public transport facilities in their area. There was no significant difference between responses for those with a disability (78%) and those without a disability (80%).

Public Transport Statistics 2022-23

• At the end of March 2023, there were 1,058 Ulsterbuses, 281 Metro buses, 34 Gliders and 164 rail carriages in operation. All rail carriages and buses were accessible to wheelchairs while 85.1% of buses were low-floor buses (1,168). Over one quarter (27%) of buses and all rail carriages had Audio Visual Information.

Travel Survey for Northern Ireland 2021

• In 2021, just under one fifth (19%) of persons aged 16 and over, who were surveyed, reported having a mobility difficulty.
• On average, those with a mobility difficulty made 519 journeys in 2021, 44% less than those without a mobility difficulty (929 journeys per year).

Notes to editors: 

1. This is a new official statistics report produced by Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch (ASRB) as a useful reference report for highlighting the range of statistics and data available on Transport Accessibility in Northern Ireland.
2. The report was developed following the Office for Statistics Regulation Systemic Review of Transport Accessibility Statistics which recommended that statistics producers should bring data and statistics together to meet user needs.
3. The statistical report was published alongside a Background Quality Report which provides useful information and links relating to the quality of the data.
4. The statistical report has been produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics, complying with the pillars of Trustworthiness, Quality and Value. You can find further information about the Code of Practice at: Statistics Authority
5. For more information relating to this publication, including alternative formats, please contact:

• Telephone: (028) 9054 0099           
• E-mail: ASRB@nisra.gov.uk
• Website: Statistics and research

6. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
8. Follow the Department on X @deptinfra on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure and on LinkedIn at DfILinkedIn.

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