‘TAXIS ARE A FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT’: Northern Ireland taxi bus lane access pilot set to launch after Christmas
A pilot scheme allowing taxis to use bus lanes will be introduced after Christmas, the Northern Ireland Assembly has confirmed.
The initiative, announced by Sinn Féin’s John O’Dowd, aims to assess the impact of taxis sharing bus routes, a contentious issue among stakeholders.
Social Democratic and Labour Party’s Mark Durkan highlighted concerns during a recent debate, citing the potential for slower bus services and road safety risks. Durkan queried whether the scheme would be temporary or permanent, jokingly asking if it would even be in place for the festive season.
O’Dowd responded, explaining that legislation to permit taxi access would not be ready by Christmas but will proceed as a trial after the holiday period. He acknowledged that the move is not universally popular but stressed the need to explore practical solutions for both public transport users and taxi drivers.
“Taxis are a form of public transport,” O’Dowd stated, noting the challenges drivers face navigating congested city centres. He pointed to Dublin as an example, where taxis and buses coexist successfully on shared routes.
The scheme will examine how taxis affect traffic flow and public transport efficiency. The results will inform future decisions on whether the practice becomes permanent or is abandoned altogether.
O’Dowd said: “Will it be for Christmas? No. The consultation that I have do means that the legislation permitting taxis to use bus lanes will not be in place for Christmas. It will be after Christmas, and it will be a pilot scheme. We are putting in place a pilot scheme to learn the impact that taxis have in and out of bus lanes.
“As the Member reminded me, it is not a universally popular decision, but there are a number of factors involved. Taxis are a form of public transport, and the people who drive them rely on doing so for their employment. Taxi drivers in particular are having a difficult time at this time plying their trade around the city centre as a result of the traffic congestion.
“In Dublin, for instance, taxis use the bus routes, and buses and taxis appear to cohabit. As I said, we will run a pilot scheme, and we will see what comes out of it.”
