New NI transport company to be formed

A new public transport company is to be formed to run bus and rail services in Northern Ireland, Stormont Regional Development Peter Robinson announced today.

The Democratic Unionist minister outlined plans in the Assembly to amalgamate the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company and Translink.

They would form a “new dynamic publicly owned operating company” called Transport Northern Ireland, with the Department of Regional Development as its shareholder.

Mr Robinson (DUP, East Belfast) told MLAs: “This company would have direct lines of accountability with DRD as its shareholder.

“It would continue to have a lead role in providing bus and rail services but would focus on developing the commerciality of the operating companies, with a view to competing in a market progressively opened up to private sector participation.”

He also announced: “An independent public transport regulatory body would be established, initially in shadow form and in due course on a statutory basis.

“Finally, I am proposing the progressive injection of private sector finance and expertise in to public transport market but only in so far as makes sound commercial sense and is acceptable to the wider community.

“I want to see a new start for public transport in Northern Ireland and I regard these proposals as important stepping stones that will lead to a public transport system fit for the years ahead.”