27 June 2008

Dear Colleagues,

As you are probably aware, over the past years the Department for Regional Development has been developing proposals to change the way in which public transport is organised in Northern Ireland.
 
Some degree of change is necessary because of new regulations from the EC, which require a formal contract to be put in place between any government or authority and the public transport provider, where the cost is met from public funds.
 
However, it is still far from clear what new arrangements will emerge here in Northern Ireland and when they are likely to be put in place. DRD is looking at a number of options, including the establishment of a new ‘middle-tier’ agency to design public transport networks in NI, procure services and provide integrating functions. NITHC/Translink would continue to provide the majority of services.
 
DRD officials presented this as their preferred option to the Regional Development Committee of the NI Assembly this week. The Committee took the view that a lot more information is required and all options should be looked at in full.
 
We will, of course, be putting forward our own views. Overall we feel it is important that any change must result in better public transport for our customers, that value for money will have to be demonstrated and the significant success we have had over recent years should not be put at risk.
 
As this issue progresses, I will of course keep you fully informed of any further developments.

Catherine Mason,

Group Chief Executive