Alliance hails rise in use of public transport but says improving service must be priority

8.27.00am GMT Thu 21st Feb 2008

Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson Cllr Alan Lawther

Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson Cllr Alan Lawther has welcomed news of the increase in use of public transport but said that the Executive must redirect funding away from road to improve our bus and train services. His comments come after it emerged that Metro service passenger numbers have increased by 20% since its introduction in 2005.

Antrim Councillor Alan Lawther said: "It is very encouraging that public transport use in on the increase; however to maintain this momentum the Executive must deliver better train and bus services.

"To improve public transport the Executive should redirect funding away from roads towards our buses and trains.

"Its great news that passenger numbers on the Metro service have grown by 20% since 2005 and train use has increased by 35% since 2002.

"Northern Ireland is crying out for better, more sustainable services to protect the environment and improve infrastructure. The Executive must change their car-centred approach to travel and provide better and more frequent public transport services for rural areas and our cities."

ENDS