05/04/2005

Government launch 'accessible' transport strategy

The Department for Regional Development (DRD) today published an Accessible Transport Strategy that aims to improve access to the transport system for older people and people with disabilities.

With both groups of people making up a significant proportion of the Northern Ireland population, the DRD said that transport accessibility was about providing transport services, infrastructure and information that provides for equitable access.

John Spellar, Minister for Regional Development, said: "As its name suggests, the Accessible Transport Strategy sets out in one place the strategy for the development of an accessible transport future in Northern Ireland.

“This Strategy, along with the new, accessible buses and trains that are coming into service, demonstrates the commitment of the Department for Regional Development to making transport accessible for all."

The Accessible Transport Strategy stems from the Regional Transportation Strategy and has been developed in the context of the Priorities and Budget 2005 – 2008. It was prepared against the background of the wider transportation policy in Great Britain and the European Union.

(MB/SP)

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