NITHC shall consider applications from third party operators that have a valid Road Service License (RSL), Bus Operator’s License (Northern Ireland) or in relation to cross border operators a Road Transport Operator Licence (Republic of Ireland).
1. Requests will only be considered in relation to:
- a. a commercial bus service that has a permit to operate a Public Transport Passenger Service in Northern Ireland;
- b. a cross border service permitted by the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland; or
- c. a Public Passenger Transport Service which has the necessary permits required to operate between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
2. Applicants for a Commercial Bus Service Permit to DfI will request use of and access to a bus station.
3. DfI will liaise with Translink and notify Translink of the request for Access.
4. The Third Party Operator will provide Translink with the information outlined in the Station Access Form available on the Translink web site. Translink will also publish Conditions of Use Relating to NITHC Stations on its website. The Conditions of Use will form part of any Bus Station Access Agreement.
5. Translink will risk assess the applicant’s request taking into account:
- a. Current and future stand utilisation
- b. Translink Timetabling plans
- c. Impact of Applicant’s proposed timetable on stand utilisation
- d. Any other factors considered relevant.
6. Translink will notify the Applicant of the outcome of its assessment of the Applicant’s request.
7. If the application is granted, Translink will issue the Applicant with a Bus Station Access Agreement which must be signed by both parties in advance of access.