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Despite an initial commitment from Stormont to collect data on the effects of permitting increased taxi access to certain bus lanes in Belfast, no information has yet been gathered. The scheme, which began in December 2024, aimed to ease traffic congestion during roadworks near Grand Central Station by allowing more taxis—beyond the previously permitted London-style black cabs and wheelchair-accessible vehicles—into the city center bus lanes. While the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) had stated it would utilize this opportunity to monitor the scheme’s impacts, the latest update confirms that no data collection has taken place so far.
The DfI recently prolonged the experimental scheme until September, yet when pressed by BBC News NI for the findings, a department official stated, “I can confirm that no data has been collected to date.” They added that preparations are underway for a monitoring exercise, which will proceed once necessary arrangements are finalized. The department’s consultation on the initiative began in March, accompanied by the scheme’s extension, and welcomed feedback from the public and interested parties.
Responses from various stakeholders have been critical of the apparent lack of data and transparency. Alliance Party Assembly member Peter McReynolds expressed his bewilderment at the extension without supporting evidence, saying, “This is particularly concerning given its 2024 commitment to gather data on the policy’s impact – a commitment that now appears to have been ignored.” He further argued that permitting taxis in bus lanes “slows buses, discourages public transport use and undermines sustainable transport options.” Similarly, cycling advocates voiced strong opposition. Anne Madden, of the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, branded it “very concerning” that the experimental scheme—intended to study the impact of taxis on bus lane operation—has yet to produce results. She emphasized safety risks for cyclists as the main reason for opposing all taxis sharing bus lanes.
Additional criticism came from Meg Hoyt, chair of the Belfast Cycle Campaign, who described the DfI’s engagement as “superficial” and noted that increasing taxis in bus lanes represents “a step backwards” in tackling congestion while increasing hazards for cyclists. Contrastingly, local black taxi driver Robert McAllister supported the scheme, arguing that “all taxis should be in the bus lanes” except for ride-share vehicles like Ubers. McAllister emphasized the professionalism of taxi drivers, stating they are “highly experienced.” Meanwhile, Translink’s head acknowledged concerns about extending taxi access in bus lanes but also “understood why” the decision was implemented during the Grand Central Station roadworks. The DfI continues to assert that the extended trial period will be used to assess impacts such as the safety of bus lane users, journey times, vehicle speeds, and traffic volumes
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