10 August 2007

Dear Colleagues,

I have mentioned in previous emails the work being done following the (previous) Minister’s proposal in August 2006 to reform the structure for the delivery of public transport in Northern Ireland.

The initial work, done with the DRD and a number of other parties such as the Consumer Council, involved the scoping of issues in connection with the proposed new arrangements such as establishing a new passenger transport authority.

The original ‘reform proposal’ was part of the overall Review of Public Administration (RPA), in particular linked to the reduction of the number of Councils and transferring to them powers and responsibilities currently undertaken by central Government departments e.g. planning.

You may be aware through the media that the RPA is now being looked at again by the NI Executive. We await the completion of that review (due to be completed in the autumn) and the implications - if any - for public transport and the subsequent direction from the Minister.

I promised to keep you informed, even when, as is now the case, there seems little new to tell you! I also note that trade union officials and representatives have recently met the Minister on this reform issue; no doubt they will also update you in due course.

Meantime, it is business as usual – the best thing we can all do is to keep on delivering a successful and growing public transport system!

Philip O'Neill

Acting Chief Executive

The RPA is now being looked at again by the NI Executive.