Support Measures For Taxi Industry Backed

The NI Assembly has given its backing to a motion calling for measures to support the taxi industry.

Welcoming support of the motion, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee Jonathan Buckley said: "The Covid pandemic has taken a significant toll on the taxi industry, but they face continued challenges coming out of lockdown. Many within the industry feel let down, particularly when they saw Ministers stepping forward to assist other sectors within their remit.

"There is a need now for the Infrastructure Minister to take action to assist the industry going forward. It isn't kind words that the industry needs, but action to deliver for taxi drivers and operators. Even as the economy is reopening many operators are faced with a lack of drivers and that poses a huge challenge.

"I hope the Minister will now work with colleagues, as the motion has called for, to identify a suite of measures that can be initiated to make the sector more attractive to new entrants, including a review of support to operators."