Belfast’s Infrastructure Minister faced backlash for rejecting a fare cut request, frustrating local leaders aiming to ease congestion during the holidays
Local council members were not happy. They wanted to make public transport more affordable to ease congestion. But O’Dowd’s response? A firm no. This happened at a recent council meeting, and it didn’t sit well with anyone.
The council had asked for fare reductions back in October. But they only got a reply just before Christmas, which felt like a slap in the face. It’s like they were left hanging while the holiday rush was on.
O’Dowd’s office said fare cuts are up to Translink, the transport company. They mentioned some discounts are available, but it’s not enough. The council wanted to see more action, especially during busy times.
One council member, Séamas de Faoite, expressed his disappointment. He pointed out that previous ministers had worked with Translink to freeze fares. He believes O’Dowd could have done the same.
He also mentioned that the council had been proactive about traffic issues. They wanted to use fare cuts as a tool to bring people back into the city. It worked before, especially after the Primark fire.
Another councillor, Brian Smyth, chimed in. He highlighted the rising costs of public transport. It’s often cheaper for families to drive into the city than to take the bus. That’s not a good sign for public transport.
Smyth urged the minister to consider expanding public transport options. He believes that’s the only way to tackle the growing congestion problem. Other cities have made similar moves, and it’s time for Belfast to catch up.
The overall sentiment is clear: local leaders feel ignored. They want the minister to take their concerns seriously. The city deserves better, and they’re not backing down anytime soon.
