PBP Before Profit Councillors Shaun Harkin and Maeve O’Neill have met with Translink officials this week to discuss investment in public transportation and demands by workers for better pay and conditions.
Said PBP Cllr Shaun Harkin: “We believe investment in public transportation, both bus and rail, are absolutely crucial to meet quality of life, clean air, congestion and climate challenges.
“We have opposed the Stormont Executive’s strategy over the last 20 years of promoting capitalist privatisation against public transportation and other public services.
“This has had a negative impact on access and workers rights.
“Investment is key and that also means investment in Translink’s bus drivers and staff. They are an essential workforce who have endured a challenging time during the pandemic.
“They’ve also been targeted by those determined to whip up sectarian violence.
“In our opinion, Translink workers were right to reject a below inflation pay offer.
“They have suffered years of pay cuts and it’s time for Translink management and the DfI Minister to make a priority of investment in improving workers terms and conditions.”
People Before Profit Cllr Maeve O’Neill added: “Rail expansion is critical.
“We’ll be engaging with the all-Ireland strategic rail review but, to be honest, we should now be laying new tracks instead of having another round of discussions.
“The political establishment is very far behind on this and can’t be trusted to deliver.
“For example, there is real frustration at the lack of urgency on completing Phase 3 of the Derry-Coleraine upgrade and the continuance of unequal weekend service for the North West. We get soundbites from the DfI Minister instead of action.
“Access to public transportation is crucial.
“There are still far too many barriers to public transportation use for people in rural areas and for people with a disability.
“For public transportation to be successful we need dedicated bus lanes. Figuring this out should be an urgent matter as more housing gets built on main road arteries.
“We want to see public transportation using renewable energy that’s easily accessible and free for all.
“This will shock the billionaire owners of the car, oil and gas industry but it would immensely benefit the vast majority of people.
“Taking this approach requires a complete rethinking of transportation beginning with the needs of passengers and workers.”
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