Tony Dorrian Workers Party Representative has called Translink plans for further cuts to services and fare increases the thin end of the wedge for the travelling public.

Mr Dorrian commenting on future cuts to Translink services discussed by its board because of a £47 million black hole in its budget. Said once again we are facing a lack of joined up thinking by those who hold the responsibility for what should be a public service. Translink have a responsibility to provide the public with transport, yet they have continued to cut what they claim are non- profitable routes mostly to working-class areas where public transport is most needed. The plans for further cuts to staffing levels, maintenance contracts, services, concessionary fares, then introduce fare increases, is the thin end of the wedge for the travelling public.

Mr Dorrian said public transport is as much about social and community cohesion as it is about making a profit, many older people need public transport to avoid isolation not only in rural areas but also in urban settings. The workers Party believes that using terms such as Translink may soon not be a going concern if these cuts do not take place. Sums up the mindset of those who believe that transport is a private entity that should be profitable.

Transport is a public service that provides connectivity for service users to travel to work, schools, universities, hospitals and doctors’ appointments and shopping areas. It should also play a key role in lowering our carbon footprint, reducing emissions, and encouraging people to stop using cars that creates congestion in our cities and towns . It should be seen as a major contributor in the development of climate change proposals.

The Workers Party will be making a submission to the consultation and will be supporting the calls to protect our public transport services as our party policy calls for full public ownership ship of public services.