Threats to local bus services

Threats to local bus services

10 December 2014

TRANSLINK could be poised to axe a number of bus services in the district’s three main towns, if draft budget proposals are agreed.

Town bus services in Downpatrick, Newcastle and Ballynahinch could be dramatically scaled back if the Department of Regional Development (DRD) cuts the transport company’s funding by £15m.

Last month, the DRD was ordered to make savings totalling £65m by Stormont Finance Minister Simon Hamilton and while Translink has yet to make definitive plans to deal with a 20 per cent cut in its budget, fears are growing for town services provided locally.

Town services are used mainly by the elderly and young families who live on the periphery of towns and rely on the small buses used on the route to access shops and other vital services including GP surgeries, dentists, Post Offices and banks.

Down Council chairman Billy Walker said he is very concerned that a cut in Translink’s budget will impact on vulnerable people who rely heavily on town services in their respective areas.

“News emerged recently the town town service in Ballynahinch was under review and it now appears the similar service provided in Downpatrick and Newcastle will come under the microscope,” he continued.

“It’s my understanding any withdrawal of services would focus on routes which are used less frequently but this will cut little ice with the people of this district.”

Councillor Walker said while no decisions have been taken, it is important people across the district make clear their views about the potential loss of a service they rely heavily upon.

“The DRD’s draft budget is out to public consultation and I hope that the rural community will not suffer once again at the hands of budget cuts which will no doubt not impact heavily on major towns across the Province,” he declared.

The council chairman said for many who live on the outskirts of the district’s three main towns, Translink’s town bus service is a “lifeline” and a service they can ill afford to lose.

A Translink spokesperson said as a consequence of the potential reduction in funding of £15m, the organisation was requested to consider measures that would need to be taken and the associated impacts.

“In addition to delivering challenging internal efficiency savings, the draft consultation document highlights that town bus services are under threat as a result of the proposed reduction in funding,” she continued. “The withdrawal or reduction of services would focus on those routes which are less used.”

The spokeswoman added: “No decisions have been taken and we note that the DRD budget is still draft and at the consultation stage. We await the outcome of the current consultation process and the final implications on funding before any decisions are taken.”