18/03/2026
Public Consultation Launched On Taxis In City Centre Bus Lanes
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has opened a public consultation regarding the ongoing Experimental Traffic Control Scheme that allows taxis to use specific bus lanes within Belfast city centre.
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the project, the experimental scheme has been extended for an additional six months. This extension will allow officials to monitor the impact and effectiveness of the measures following the reopening of Durham Street.
A spokesperson for the DfI stated: "As the Experimental Scheme permitting taxis to use some city centre bus lanes has been place for a period of time, we are keen to hear views from interested parties. The public consultation now open will provide road users and key stakeholders with the opportunity to express their views and make representations for the Department to consider in our future decision-making on this issue. The Department will also continue to monitor the effectiveness of the scheme and the impact on road users.
"An online survey is available at: Taxis in bus lane Citizen Space survey and we encourage people to respond by 5pm on Wednesday 10 June 2026."
The consultation provides an opportunity for road users and stakeholders to influence future policy regarding taxi access to bus lanes.
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the project, the experimental scheme has been extended for an additional six months. This extension will allow officials to monitor the impact and effectiveness of the measures following the reopening of Durham Street.
"An online survey is available at: Taxis in bus lane Citizen Space survey and we encourage people to respond by 5pm on Wednesday 10 June 2026."
The consultation provides an opportunity for road users and stakeholders to influence future policy regarding taxi access to bus lanes.
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A decision on whether private taxis will be permitted to use bus lanes is to be made by the next roads minister, according to the Department of Infrastructure.
11 May 2017
Council Supports Motion To Allow Taxis To Use Bus Lanes
Belfast City Council has supported a motion to allow taxis to use bus lanes for an additional six months. A trial ended on Sunday, 07 May, which permitted taxis to use the Belfast Rapid Transit bus lanes. The council will send an official letter of support to the Department of Infrastructure.
Council Supports Motion To Allow Taxis To Use Bus Lanes
Belfast City Council has supported a motion to allow taxis to use bus lanes for an additional six months. A trial ended on Sunday, 07 May, which permitted taxis to use the Belfast Rapid Transit bus lanes. The council will send an official letter of support to the Department of Infrastructure.
19 August 2015
Belfast City Centre Bus Lane Scheme Criticised
The SDLP said it is "seriously concerned" after a city centre bus lane scheme in Belfast has left motorists confused. In Great Victoria street, one signpost contains two signs which have led to confusion, however motorists are still being fined.
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The SDLP said it is "seriously concerned" after a city centre bus lane scheme in Belfast has left motorists confused. In Great Victoria street, one signpost contains two signs which have led to confusion, however motorists are still being fined.
17 November 2005
Motorcyclists permitted to use selected bus lanes
An experimental scheme introduced in June 2004 allowing motorcycles to use certain bus lanes in Northern Ireland will now be made permanent. The initiative, which aims to lower the collision risk for motorcyclists and improve use of road space, follows a decision taken on 5 June 2002 which permitted certain taxis to use some bus lanes.
Motorcyclists permitted to use selected bus lanes
An experimental scheme introduced in June 2004 allowing motorcycles to use certain bus lanes in Northern Ireland will now be made permanent. The initiative, which aims to lower the collision risk for motorcyclists and improve use of road space, follows a decision taken on 5 June 2002 which permitted certain taxis to use some bus lanes.
16 February 2017
Taxis To Be Permitted To Use Bus Lanes
Taxis will be permitted to use bus lanes on the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) routes from next Monday, 20 February. The 12-week trial basis will apply to the bus lanes on the East and West Belfast Rapid Transit routes and the 12 hour bus lanes in the city centre, which link the two routes.
Taxis To Be Permitted To Use Bus Lanes
Taxis will be permitted to use bus lanes on the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) routes from next Monday, 20 February. The 12-week trial basis will apply to the bus lanes on the East and West Belfast Rapid Transit routes and the 12 hour bus lanes in the city centre, which link the two routes.
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