Bus Drivers Shocked Over Light Rail Proposal

Those responsible for the more 'traditional' methods of public transport in Belfast are said to be outraged by outline proposals for a light railway system in the city.

Translink's Metro bus drivers have been shocked by the proposal and are to now hold a ballot on possible strike action in protest at the Assembly's Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy's proposals, announced this week.

Unite, the union who represents the drivers, has described the Minister's plans as "ludicrous" and a "pipe dream".

Mr Murphy recently suggested he hopes work on the system will have begun before he leaves office.

Unite regional organiser Sean Smyth said the idea of a light railway system would "waste millions of public money on consultancy fees".

The union has called on the Government to instead inject funds into the existing Metro bus service and take steps to implement permanent bus lanes in the city to "sort out" current congestion.

Mr Smyth also suggested a 'hands-on' approach and requested cash be diverted to "give this union a tin of paint and a brush so we can mark out dedicated bus lanes, which will help us deliver a first class public transport system."

Unite's regional organiser insisted any action taken would not be targeted at the employer, Translink, but rather at "elected representatives of the government and public administrators for their ostrich-like behaviour".

Mr Smyth said: "Drivers are now demanding that Unite ballot them on taking industrial action as an act of protest."

Transport Minister Murphy last night confirmed that he has agreed to meet with union representatives next month.

He responded to the union's claim by saying he is in "the business of delivering world-class transportation".

"Rapid transit does not replace our efforts to improve the quality of the bus system, I want both, interlinked and supporting each other."

He added: "The people of Belfast deserve nothing less."

However, it looks like the drivers' negative protest attitude may be a 'knee-jerk' reaction, and not developed further, given that a Translink spokesperson has said the company is currently not aware of any potential industrial action due to take place as a result of this issue.

(BMcC)