06/08/2013
Disabled Access Public Transport Programme Hailed
The first year of an action plan to improve accessibility for disabled people on Northern Ireland's public transport has been hailed by the Department for Regional Development.
The three-year Accessible Transport Strategy Action Plan began in 2012 and has already seen £30m invested in Translink to enable the introduction of 143 fully wheelchair accessible buses.
There were 20 new trains brought into operation at a cost of £114m, all of which are fully compliant with Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations.
A pilot project to introduce audio visual information systems on Metro services in Belfast has also been completed and the Department is now seeking funding to instal the systems on all Translink buses.
The redevelopment of the Antrim Bus and Rail Station and Portadown Rail Station has also provided new facilities to assist travel by people with disabilities.
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "I welcome the progress that has been made in the first year of the three year Action Plan, which I published in 2012. Against a backdrop of budget constraints, I am pleased to report that my Department continues to strive towards the removal of barriers that impede disabled people and older people from travel and transport services.
"This Action Plan follows on from the success of earlier plans in delivering the Accessible Transport Strategy. I will continue to seek opportunities for funding which will further enhance delivery of the Action Plan over the next two years."
(IT/MH)
The three-year Accessible Transport Strategy Action Plan began in 2012 and has already seen £30m invested in Translink to enable the introduction of 143 fully wheelchair accessible buses.
There were 20 new trains brought into operation at a cost of £114m, all of which are fully compliant with Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations.
A pilot project to introduce audio visual information systems on Metro services in Belfast has also been completed and the Department is now seeking funding to instal the systems on all Translink buses.
The redevelopment of the Antrim Bus and Rail Station and Portadown Rail Station has also provided new facilities to assist travel by people with disabilities.
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "I welcome the progress that has been made in the first year of the three year Action Plan, which I published in 2012. Against a backdrop of budget constraints, I am pleased to report that my Department continues to strive towards the removal of barriers that impede disabled people and older people from travel and transport services.
"This Action Plan follows on from the success of earlier plans in delivering the Accessible Transport Strategy. I will continue to seek opportunities for funding which will further enhance delivery of the Action Plan over the next two years."
(IT/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 February 2024
New Fitness Campaign To Support People With Learning Disabilities
A new campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity and support people with learning disabilities has been launched by Mencap NI and Oscar Winning Ambassador Dr James Martin MBE in partnership with Better.
New Fitness Campaign To Support People With Learning Disabilities
A new campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity and support people with learning disabilities has been launched by Mencap NI and Oscar Winning Ambassador Dr James Martin MBE in partnership with Better.
27 February 2024
People Urged To 'Remain Vigilant' Following Dungiven Security Alert
The PSNI have urged residents and visitors in the Dungiven area to "remain vigilant" following a major security alert in the town and claims of a second device having been left in the area.
People Urged To 'Remain Vigilant' Following Dungiven Security Alert
The PSNI have urged residents and visitors in the Dungiven area to "remain vigilant" following a major security alert in the town and claims of a second device having been left in the area.
28 March 2024
Healthy Happy Minds Pilot Project Independent Report Published
The Department of Education has published an independent evaluation of the Healthy Happy Minds pilot project, which was introduced to provide therapeutic and counselling support in primary schools and test approaches which would help inform provision in the longer-term.
Healthy Happy Minds Pilot Project Independent Report Published
The Department of Education has published an independent evaluation of the Healthy Happy Minds pilot project, which was introduced to provide therapeutic and counselling support in primary schools and test approaches which would help inform provision in the longer-term.
31 July 2023
PSNI And Translink Launch Summer Safety Campaign
The PSNI and Translink have launched a summer safety campaign, reminding the public of the importance of safety when they are out and about over the summer months.
PSNI And Translink Launch Summer Safety Campaign
The PSNI and Translink have launched a summer safety campaign, reminding the public of the importance of safety when they are out and about over the summer months.
06 July 2011
Public Transport Spending Must Be Prioritised
A crucial government strategy has failed to address Northern Ireland's over-reliance on road transport, according to a leading body of professionals. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland, says that there has been a disproportionate allocation of funding for road building in Northern Ireland over other forms of transport.
Public Transport Spending Must Be Prioritised
A crucial government strategy has failed to address Northern Ireland's over-reliance on road transport, according to a leading body of professionals. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland, says that there has been a disproportionate allocation of funding for road building in Northern Ireland over other forms of transport.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.