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29/08/2018
Dept Of Infrastructure Reverses Decision On Taxis In Belfast Bus Lanes
The Department of Infrastructure has been accused of an "act of bad faith" in its u-turn on allowing taxis in Belfast bus lanes.
In March, the Department confirmed a 12-month experimental scheme to permit Class A taxis to access all bus lanes in Belfast. The scheme was due to begin prior to the commencement of the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT).
However, according to West Belfast Sinn Féin MP, Paul Maskey, the Department has now reversed this decision.
Mr Maskey said: "I have met with the department frequently on BRT and have tried to work in good faith to ensure that the new system delivers and has the support of local people. In over-turning this decision at the last minute, the department have not delivered on commitments given. This approach is both disappointing and frustrating.
"Taxi drivers across Belfast will, in no doubt, be very angry at this decision, they are ordinary working-class men and women trying to provide for their families. Overturning this decision will cause unnecessary problems for them.
"There are still many other issues that need addressed on the BRT route and the Department has been very slow to address them. They need to ensure they are doing all they can to address these outstanding issues and build community confidence in the actions of the department."
(MH/CM)
In March, the Department confirmed a 12-month experimental scheme to permit Class A taxis to access all bus lanes in Belfast. The scheme was due to begin prior to the commencement of the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT).
However, according to West Belfast Sinn Féin MP, Paul Maskey, the Department has now reversed this decision.
Mr Maskey said: "I have met with the department frequently on BRT and have tried to work in good faith to ensure that the new system delivers and has the support of local people. In over-turning this decision at the last minute, the department have not delivered on commitments given. This approach is both disappointing and frustrating.
"Taxi drivers across Belfast will, in no doubt, be very angry at this decision, they are ordinary working-class men and women trying to provide for their families. Overturning this decision will cause unnecessary problems for them.
"There are still many other issues that need addressed on the BRT route and the Department has been very slow to address them. They need to ensure they are doing all they can to address these outstanding issues and build community confidence in the actions of the department."
(MH/CM)
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