Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the steps she is taking to ensure transport accessibility for older people and people with disabilities in rural areas.
Minister for Infrastructure: My Department provides funding to Rural Community Transport Partnerships to deliver the rural Dial-A-Lift service. This is a membership only service which provides transport to those who are rurally isolated and find it difficult to access mainstream public transport.
I recognise that Community Transport provides a valuable service for older people and people with disabilities in rural areas and I intend to reflect that in this year’s budget allocations.
In addition to the concessionary fares schemes and accessibility measures already available, Translink will continue to update its fleet and enhance accessibility features over time, and it is in regular consultation with IMTAC in relation to the design of its public transport vehicles.
ENDS
Your MLA 