To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) how will she ensure local councils and Translink provide safe bus stops across rural communities to prevent vulnerable people and children from having to stand on a 60mph roadside with no protection, lighting or timetable displayed; and (ii) whether her Department has discussed capital investment options to secure funding needed to improve rural bus stops to the same standard used in urban areas.

When developing new roads or making improvements to existing roads my Department consults with Council, Translink and other stakeholders to make sure that the needs of all road users including the needs of those using public transport are fully integrated into the design. Where appropriate street lighting, footways and bus lay-bys can be incorporated as part of the road improvement.

When there is an opportunity to deploy new shelters or if Translink receive requests from passengers or local representatives, they will assess the passenger usage along with a number of other factors including the usage from vulnerable passengers and this information will help inform if the stop should be upgraded to a shelter with lighting. They will then work with the local stakeholders to provide the shelter and manage the maintenance of them. Translink also remains open to working with, and to receive requests from, local communities to improve bus stops/shelters where possible.

My Department works closely with Translink on capital planning and securing capital funding for bus shelters across the North. This year, I have provided funding of £321,000 to Translink for the refurbishment and erection of new bus shelters. In addition, funding is also available within the 'Local Transport and Safety Measures' budget to improve rural bus stops, where a need has been identified by Translink in conjunction with local communities.