15 November 2004
Citybus (now Metro) say that the country-bound bus lanes which were introduced by DRD Roads Service on Divis Street, Falls Road and Andersonstown Road at the beginning of August (2004) are working well however the company are calling for public support to ensure that they are kept free of private cars and lorries.
Local Citybus (now Metro) District Manager Damien Bannon explained; “This is a fantastic bus priority measure which we have wholeheartedly welcomed. They offer our passengers congestion free travel in and out of the city. We worked in partnership with DRD Roads Service to implement the initiative which has gone some way to making public transport a more attractive option for commuters and help decrease congestion on our roads.”
However Mr Bannon confirmed that the six new bus lanes, totaling over 2km in length have been subject to illegal parking during the 3pm to 6.30pm hours of operation. “Indeed, the bus lanes could be more effective and we need all parties concerned to work together to ensure misuse of bus lanes is stamped out. In fact the majority of our new buses are fitted with external forward facing cameras which have detected a considerable degree of misuse.”
Citybus (now Metro) also say that there has been some damage to the shelters along the Falls Road. Mr Bannon explained; “These shelters are provided as improved facilities for the local community and to this end we would call on all parties concerned to help us eliminate these mindless acts of vandalism and report incidents to the local police.”
The new bus lanes supplement the existing city-bound bus lanes introduced around the city such as those on the M2 and the Saintfield road which are proving to be extremely effective and ensure that bus passengers get priority on their way to as well as home from work.
Joe Drew, Divisional Roads Manager said: "These are some of the first country-bound bus lanes in Belfast, helping passengers on their journey home. Our surveys have shown that on some parts of this route the buses and taxis carry over 60% of the total number of people travelling on the corridor during the peak periods; benefiting the majority of the people travelling on the Falls Road at peak times.
"Bus lanes have already proved successful across the City and we are confident these new bus lanes will add to their overall success. In keeping with Government policy, this is just one of the measures aimed at providing a more integrated and effective transport system.”
Translink say that such bus priority initiatives are part of their long-term plans to make bus travel, faster, frequent and a genuine alternative to the private car.
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