Menu
16/02/2017
Taxis To Be Permitted To Use Bus Lanes
Taxis will be permitted to use bus lanes on the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) routes from next Monday, 20 February.
The 12-week trial basis will apply to the bus lanes on the East and West Belfast Rapid Transit routes and the 12 hour bus lanes in the city centre, which link the two routes.
The Department for Infrastructure's aim is to balance and respect the needs of all road users.
The Department will assess the impact of the taxis on the operation of the bus lanes during the trial period. This will include the safety of bus lane users, as well as the impact on journey times, vehicle speeds and volumes. The Department will also invite stakeholders to provide their views before reaching a decision on the long term access arrangements for taxis in bus lanes.
West Belfast MP Paul Maskey welcomed the announcement.
He said: "I have been contacted over the past few months on numerous occasions by taxi drivers to voice their frustration at being excluded from bus lanes.
"The drivers were strongly of the opinion that the exclusion of taxis from bus lanes was damaging their industry. They have been finding it increasingly difficult to earn a sufficient wage, particularly those drivers who work during mornings and early evenings.
"I made representations to the minister asking him to consider the concerns of taxi drivers with a view to a trial allowing taxis into bus lanes and which would assess the impact of those taxis on the operation of the bus lanes.
"I welcome this announcement by the minister and I will continue to work to ensure that balance is given to all road users and industries."
(CD)
The 12-week trial basis will apply to the bus lanes on the East and West Belfast Rapid Transit routes and the 12 hour bus lanes in the city centre, which link the two routes.
The Department for Infrastructure's aim is to balance and respect the needs of all road users.
The Department will assess the impact of the taxis on the operation of the bus lanes during the trial period. This will include the safety of bus lane users, as well as the impact on journey times, vehicle speeds and volumes. The Department will also invite stakeholders to provide their views before reaching a decision on the long term access arrangements for taxis in bus lanes.
West Belfast MP Paul Maskey welcomed the announcement.
He said: "I have been contacted over the past few months on numerous occasions by taxi drivers to voice their frustration at being excluded from bus lanes.
"The drivers were strongly of the opinion that the exclusion of taxis from bus lanes was damaging their industry. They have been finding it increasingly difficult to earn a sufficient wage, particularly those drivers who work during mornings and early evenings.
"I made representations to the minister asking him to consider the concerns of taxi drivers with a view to a trial allowing taxis into bus lanes and which would assess the impact of those taxis on the operation of the bus lanes.
"I welcome this announcement by the minister and I will continue to work to ensure that balance is given to all road users and industries."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 May 2017
Decision On Private Taxis Using Bus Lanes To Be Made By Next Minister
A decision on whether private taxis will be permitted to use bus lanes is to be made by the next roads minister, according to the Department of Infrastructure.
Decision On Private Taxis Using Bus Lanes To Be Made By Next Minister
A decision on whether private taxis will be permitted to use bus lanes is to be made by the next roads minister, according to the Department of Infrastructure.
22 June 2015
Drivers Illegally Using Bus Lanes Face Being Fined
Drivers illegally using bus lanes face being fined up to £90 from today, Monday. A network of six static cameras and a mobile detection vehicle have now become fully operational across Belfast.
Drivers Illegally Using Bus Lanes Face Being Fined
Drivers illegally using bus lanes face being fined up to £90 from today, Monday. A network of six static cameras and a mobile detection vehicle have now become fully operational across Belfast.
11 May 2017
Council Supports Motion To Allow Taxis To Use Bus Lanes
Belfast City Council has supported a motion to allow taxis to use bus lanes for an additional six months. A trial ended on Sunday, 07 May, which permitted taxis to use the Belfast Rapid Transit bus lanes. The council will send an official letter of support to the Department of Infrastructure.
Council Supports Motion To Allow Taxis To Use Bus Lanes
Belfast City Council has supported a motion to allow taxis to use bus lanes for an additional six months. A trial ended on Sunday, 07 May, which permitted taxis to use the Belfast Rapid Transit bus lanes. The council will send an official letter of support to the Department of Infrastructure.
10 May 2022
Translink Bus Strike 'Back On' From 17-23 May
The bus strike "is back on", the GMB Union has announced after their members rejected a revised pay offer. The union has said that drivers, cleaners and shunters across the company will walk out for seven days from 17 to 23 May 2022, "causing the entire bus network to grind to a halt".
Translink Bus Strike 'Back On' From 17-23 May
The bus strike "is back on", the GMB Union has announced after their members rejected a revised pay offer. The union has said that drivers, cleaners and shunters across the company will walk out for seven days from 17 to 23 May 2022, "causing the entire bus network to grind to a halt".
20 June 2024
New Temporary Bus Lanes To Be Introduced In Belfast
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced that new temporary bus lanes will come into operation in Belfast from Monday 1 July. Temporary bus lanes are being implemented as major public improvement projects around the new Belfast Grand Central Station intensify.
New Temporary Bus Lanes To Be Introduced In Belfast
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced that new temporary bus lanes will come into operation in Belfast from Monday 1 July. Temporary bus lanes are being implemented as major public improvement projects around the new Belfast Grand Central Station intensify.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
