RNIB NI Response to community transport provision funding concerns
"We are encouraged to see that the threat to vital public service that is rural community transport is being taken seriously by our elected representatives at Stormont and by the Department for Infrastructure Permanent Secretary. "
"As Secretariat to the All Party Group on Visual Impairment, RNIB NI coordinated with Robbie Butler MLA, chair of the All Party Group, in the approach to this important meeting.
RNIB NI has consulted with community transport providers and briefed the All-Party Group on the urgent issue of rural transport poverty over recent months.
We echo Mr. Butler’s call that no one in Northern Ireland should be discriminated against in accessing suitable public transport.
Systems which enforce segregation and promote separate provision do nothing to promote a wider and inclusive society where the person is at the centre and equality becomes a reality. What is right and appropriate for the disabled and the elderly is right and appropriate for all the population.
It is essential that all of us representing disabled and disadvantaged people across Northern Ireland come together and defend this key transport service."
All Party Group on Visual Impairment Chair Robbie Butler, MLA (UUP) has warned the increasingly chaotic budgetary position facing Stormont Departments now risks a key transport service for people with disabilities: Butler warns cuts to key transport service will disproportionately impact people with disabilities - UUP Live
If you have any further concerns, queries, or would like to add your voice to our campaigning work, please contact the RNIB Northern Ireland Policy and Campaigns team on [email protected]
