12 November 2002
NEW BALLYCLARE BUSCENTRE IS IMPORTANT MILESTONE - SMITH
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Angela Smith, MP, said today that the opening of the new Ballyclare Buscentre represented another important milestone in the drive by Translink and the Department for Regional Development to improve bus services in Northern Ireland.
Speaking as she officially opened the £260,000 centre, the Minister also underlined her own commitment to improving public transport.
She said: "This investment is another important step towards providing the travelling public with an efficient and reliable service.
"It is the latest in a series of new upgraded accessible bus stations and together with the purchase of new low floor buses and the provison of dedicated bus lanes can help us achieve our goals."
The Minister acknowledged the importance which the Assembly had attached to the development of public transport.
She said: "Some of the earliest decisions of the Assembly included the £102 million investment in railways and the introduction of free fares for older people.
"This commitment to public transport was clearly manifested by the Assembly’s endorsement for the underlying principles and direction of the Regional Transportation Strategy.
"However, the implementation of the Strategy will largely depend on the level of resources that can be secured against a backdrop of other competing priorities.
"I myself am a firm supporter of public transport. Greater use of public transport will reduce congestion on our roads and will produce environmental benefits for us all.
"However, it is also important to remember that a substantial proportion of the population does not have access to cars. It is, therefore, important that we maintain a reasonable network of public transport services to provide good access to work, recreation, health, education and social amenities for all members of society."
For media queries contact Eamon Deeny or Anne McGivern at the DRD Press Office on (028) 9054 0004.
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