THE AXING of Enniskillen town bus services could be the latest cuts casualty to hit the county – and question marks also hang over rural bus services.
While cuts in health and policing have been focussed in the public conscience for the past number of months, cuts to public transport will come as a fresh blow to those living here.
Translink are reported to be targeting the ‘least profitable’ routes in a bid to help plug the budget deficit.
The three ‘397’ town buses run from highly populated areas including Cornagrade, Kilmacormick, Hillview, Cavanaleck, Windmill Heights and Coleshill.
A spokesman from Translink confirmed that the draft consultation document ‘highlights that town bus services are under threat as a result of the proposed reduction in funding’.
The draft also indicates that there could be cuts to Ulsterbus links from rural villages into larger towns.
A representative from ‘Hands Off Enniskillen’s Town Service’, a new group set up to oppose the potential changes, said that town services are ‘vitally important… particularly to the most vulnerable’.
“This is a severe blow to the elderly, families with children, disabled and young people. Public bus services are vital to their access to commercial, social and health services.”
He added: “We have established a Facebook page to highlight this threat and the existence of our campaign to reverse it.
“It’s important for people to get involved in backing our campaign against this grossly unfair attack on those dependent on bus services. We want to build an inclusive, people power campaign that will defend bus services in our county.”
A spokesman from Translink said that as a result of a potential reduction of funding of £15 million (20%), they were requested to consider the measures that would need to be taken and the associated impacts.
“In addition to delivering challenging internal efficiency savings the draft consultation document highlights that town bus services are under threat as a result of the proposed reduction in funding. The withdrawal or reduction of services would focus on those routes which are less used.
“No decisions have been taken and we note that the budget is still draft and at the consultation stage. We await the outcome of the current consultation process and the final implications on funding before any decisions are taken.”
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