14 March 2006
NEW TYPE OF BUS LICENCES
The Department of the Environment (DOE) is to introduce a new licensing category for bus operators.
The new category is known as Demand Responsive Transport and is intended to help the introduction of new responsive transport services as proposed in the Department for Regional Development's Regional Transportation Strategy. This was approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly in July 2002 to assist travel by residents of rural areas and people with mobility impairments.
Brendan Magee, Chief Executive of DVLNI said "Demand Responsive Transport produces the opportunity for bus operators to undertake services tailored to people's needs especially in more rural areas.
"Unlike traditional bus services which run at predefined times and to a predefined route as specified in a timetable, a demand responsive bus service is wholly demand led. The user must pre-book the demand responsive bus service for the time and place they need, for example by telephone."
DOE consulted on the proposed new category last year and received largely positive and welcoming responses to the new category. There are similar services operating in England and Wales since 2004.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. A copy of the guide "Demand Responsive Bus Services - Guidance for Operators" is available on the DVLNI website at www.dvlni.gov.uk or by contacting the DVLNI by telephone on 028 9025 4103.
2. DOE is responsible under Part II of the Transport Act (NI) 1967 for the grant of (Bus Operator) Road Service Licences to persons who carry passengers by road for reward. The licence, in allowing an operator to carry passengers for reward, also specifies the types of services authorised e.g. stage carriage service, express service, contract hire and occasional private hire. These traditional services run to a predetermined timetable and route. Services delivered under this licence will be demand led, enabling passengers to pre-book the service for the time and place they need.
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