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06/02/2008
Bus Drivers Threaten to Strike
Belfast’s congestion has sparked a row with Metro bus drives who now threaten strike action throughout the city.
Metro driver’s union, Unite, called on Northern Ireland Transport Minister Conor Murphy last week to meet promises he made to introduce dedicated bus lanes into the city centre to tackle Belfast’s morning traffic jams.
The union said Metro drivers were now calling for a ballot for industrial action to highlight the difficulties of providing a "first class transport system with uninterrupted bus lanes".
Drivers said they were under constant stress to meet unrealistic running times during peak periods of congestion.
Union representatives are now expected to meet the minister next month to discuss how long the Rapid Transport System outlined by the Department for Regional Development would take to come into effect.
Unite's Sean Smyth said: "The drivers also ask, how can the minister plan a new Rapid Transport System without priority lanes - whether for buses or a light railway or a mixture of both?
"Without priority lanes being in operation neither system, as being experienced by the Metro bus service at the moment, will not work."
In October 2007, Translink drivers threatened strike action over the introduction of a ‘return to work’ policy where two periods of sickness within a month would lead to disciplinary action by the company.
See: Bus Drivers Shocked Over Light Rail Proposal
(DW)
Metro driver’s union, Unite, called on Northern Ireland Transport Minister Conor Murphy last week to meet promises he made to introduce dedicated bus lanes into the city centre to tackle Belfast’s morning traffic jams.
The union said Metro drivers were now calling for a ballot for industrial action to highlight the difficulties of providing a "first class transport system with uninterrupted bus lanes".
Drivers said they were under constant stress to meet unrealistic running times during peak periods of congestion.
Union representatives are now expected to meet the minister next month to discuss how long the Rapid Transport System outlined by the Department for Regional Development would take to come into effect.
Unite's Sean Smyth said: "The drivers also ask, how can the minister plan a new Rapid Transport System without priority lanes - whether for buses or a light railway or a mixture of both?
"Without priority lanes being in operation neither system, as being experienced by the Metro bus service at the moment, will not work."
In October 2007, Translink drivers threatened strike action over the introduction of a ‘return to work’ policy where two periods of sickness within a month would lead to disciplinary action by the company.
See: Bus Drivers Shocked Over Light Rail Proposal
(DW)
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30 January 2008
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.
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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.
23 March 2018
Translink Urges Women To Take Up A Career In Bus Driving
Translink is urging women to find out more about a career as a bus driver. The firm is encouraging females to take part in 'Have A Go Days' to increase the numbers of women applying. Translink is currently recruiting for Metro, Glider and Ulsterbus drivers.
Translink Urges Women To Take Up A Career In Bus Driving
Translink is urging women to find out more about a career as a bus driver. The firm is encouraging females to take part in 'Have A Go Days' to increase the numbers of women applying. Translink is currently recruiting for Metro, Glider and Ulsterbus drivers.
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.
16 February 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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
