To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on her Department’s strategy for a recovery in the number of passengers using public transport.

My Department and Translink’s response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak continues in line with Public Health Agency.

I have approved changes to the bus and rail timetables across the North to allow Translink to build resilience into the network and add extra capacity above passenger demand to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

You will understand that the recovery of passenger numbers is dependent on social distancing restrictions required in respect of COVID-19. Whilst our public transport network can currently accommodate passenger demand, eventually passenger numbers will hit a ceiling, as social distancing requirements impact on the capacity of the network.

Whilst my aim is to deliver a recovery from COVID-19 in a green, sustainable manner, our recovery must be focused on delivering the safest public transport for our passengers, in line with the latest public health guidance at the time.

To that end, my Department and Translink have implemented a wide range of measures to protect the public on our buses and trains, including the mandated use of face coverings, an enhanced cleaning regime and protections for staff and customers to minimise contact.

As we progress through this pandemic, my Department and Translink will be cognisant of any change in public health guidelines and we will increase capacity on our network when it is safe to do so.

I have recently brought a paper to the Executive outlining the importance of infrastructure in our recovery to COVID-19 and this included the role of public transport. As we respond to COVID-19 within the Executive, I am clear that we must be considerate of the role our public transport can play in our recovery, as well as the impact that changes to guidelines can have on the network.