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Stormont has said no to a request for reduced Christma s bus fares in Belfast. The Sinn Féin Minister at the Department for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, has responded in the negative to a request from Belfast Council. It comes weeks after more positive developments for transport in the city, when Belfast councillors agreed to co-fund with Stormont an extended late night public transport pilot for a year in the city. At a meeting on September 1, the council agreed to a request tabled by SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite, that they write to the Minister for Infrastructure and Translink to request consideration of a scheme that would reduce fares “to encourage the use of public transport and reduce traffic congestion during the Christmas period.” READ MORE: Council confirms historic Belfast Assembly Rooms officially back in public ownership READ MORE: Belfast "Under the Bridges" project aims to transform space under flyover into urban sports park Translink responded, stating: “Translink welcomes the opportunity to engage in discussions about the important role public transport plays in keeping Belfast moving, particularly during the busy autumn and festive seasons. However, decisions relating to fares policy fall under the remit of the Department for Infrastructure. “A wide range of good-value ticketing options are available. For example, unlimited all-day travel on Metro services across Belfast is available for just £4, with contactless payment options making journeys even more accessible. “We also remain committed to collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders to encourage modal shift to public transport and help more people enjoy all that Belfast has to offer throughout the festive period.” The Minister for Infrastructure at Stormont, Ms Kimmins replied: “There are currently no plans to introduce festive fares on Translink services. However, as public realm work continues around Grand Central Station, I have instructed my officials to advance a number of traffic measures to keep Belfast moving, particularly in the run-up to the busy festive period. “A communications strategy has also been developed to help inform the public of the various measures being taken and to promote alternatives to private car use across the North.” Belfast councillors noted the responses at the October meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, held at City Hall last Friday (October 24). At the meeting, elected representatives backed a proposal by Green Party Councillor Brian Smyth to keep pressure on the Stormont department for reduced fees next year. He said: “I really appreciate the response from the Minister. I will praise a Stormont Minister for once - I think she has been proactive in terms of issues such as congestion in the city centre, with suspending in early November roadworks, and also with increased bus lanes, particularly in the South of the city, in that Carryduff corridor. “Every year when this comes around we always ask for reduced fares, and it is always fairly late. Can we begin to contact the Minister and Translink now, on the possibility of reducing fares for the next Christmas period?” The chamber agreed for the council to again write to the department and Translink. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter
