NI election issues guide: Transport

  • Published

Northern Ireland goes to the polls on 5 May to elect a new assembly. Browse the parties' key transport priorities below.

  • A regional infrastructure panel to identify the most important long-term infrastructure needs of Northern Ireland and to examine the costs associated with them

  • Gradually channel public investment towards public (rather than private) transport

  • Continue to support the development of community transport, working with providers to increase coverage

  • Develop an active travel bill to promote cycling and walking

  • Support for new road projects including the A5 between Strabane and Newbuildings, Londonderry - Dungiven and Randalstown - Castledawson sections of A6, York Street Interchange, Ballynahinch bypass, Newry Southern relief road and Enniskillen Southern bypass.

  • Extend the network of Park and Ride schemes at places like Portadown

  • An integrated bus and rail ticketing system similar to the Oyster Card plus free public transport for carers

  • Track improvements on Coleraine - Londonderry railway line and upgrades to Portadown and Antrim railway stations

  • Expand public transport, especially in rural areas

  • Simplify and integrate ticketing and fare structures across the public transport system

  • Ensure that all road upgrades include provision for cycling

  • Encourage the use of smaller, flexible electric or hybrid vehicles and investment in the electric charging network

  • Build A5 and A6 motorways

  • Complete the Belfast Rapid Transport system

  • Introduce an active travel bill to improve transport infrastructure

  • More investment in rail and bus services and walking and cycling infrastructure

  • A vibrant and equitable economy cannot operate without a modern roads network. The SDLP will prioritise the completion of the A5 and A6, as well as developing a comprehensive roads strategy for the next 20 years

  • Access to airports is essential - we will redevelop the Knockmore Line, reconnecting Belfast International Airport; build a halt at City of Derry Airport and enhance connections between the Bangor line and Belfast City Airport

  • Explore plans for cycling and walking greenways including in the Glens of Antrim, between Cookstown and Magherafelt and from Downpatrick to Newcastle

  • We will ensure that the development of the Narrow Water Bridge project is at the forefront of the next executive's infrastructural agenda

  • The priority must be towards building roads because of their economic, rather than political, justification

  • Choking Belfast city centre with bus lanes is not in the commercial interests of the city

  • The development of the International Airport and adequate public transport links, including a rail link should be prioritised, especially now that Dublin is considering a direct rail link from Belfast.

  • There is something radically wrong with the approach of government if it allows a situation to evolve whereby Northern Ireland passengers could connect directly by rail to Dublin Airport, but not to our own international airport

  • Develop traffic-free cycling infrastructure

  • Encourage active travel

  • Ensure our public transport system remains accessible and affordable

  • Implement ambitious infrastructure projects that increase connectivity and improve journey times

  • Renounce the intervention of the EU in respect of our transport policies

  • Accept that space for buses and cyclists needs managed but not at the expense of the motorist

  • Defend good bus and rail services and their expansion into rural areas. All we require are good, viable, cost effective policies

  • Ensure that speed cameras, hidden or otherwise, are used solely as a deterrent and not as cash cow revenue raisers