Assembly Question to Minister of Regional Development on increasing resources for public transport

Speech by David Ford MLA delivered to Assembly Question Time on Mon 2nd Feb 2009

David Ford MLA questioned the Transport Minister about increased resources.

During Assembly Question Time David Ford MLA asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans his Department has to increase resources for public transport. (AQO 1951/09)

The Minister for Regional Development replied: "The regional transportation strategy assumed a total investment of £3·5 billion over the 10-year period 2002-2012, which comprised the pre-2002 baseline level of £2·1 billion being maintained, and included £1·4 billion additional funding, but with the caveat that the final outcome would be subject to the normal budgetary processes.

"The result has been that transportation has been successful in attracting finance, and the Budget for the period 2008-2011 provides significant levels of capital funding for public transport of £51 million this year, rising to £54 million next year, and £90 million in 2010-11. My Department is committed to undertaking a review of the current regional transportation strategy and is carrying out a stocktaking exercise in implementing the strategy to date, including budgets secured, and the rate of implementation of the projects.

"The review will determine key outcomes for local transport, including emissions from traffic, the safety of travel, and the accessibility of transport services. It will seek to address a number of developments that have occurred since 2002, including the focus on climate change and sustainable development. The findings from the review will inform my Department's bids for future budget and investment strategy exercises."

Related Link:

[Official Report (Hansard) 2nd Feb 2009]