§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average age is of(a) Ulsterbus and (b) Citybus vehicle stock. [144225]
§ Mr. SpellarTranslink has advised that at 15 December 2003 the average age of the Ulsterbus fleet was 11.95 years and the average age of the Citybus fleet was 8.46 years.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to(a) improve access to public transport and (b) encourage the use of public transport by older people. [144231]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Department for Regional Development is funding the purchase by Northern Ireland Railways of 23 new trains which will comply with the requirements of the Rail Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001. The Department is also providing grant aid to assist Translink to purchase 190 new buses which meet the requirements of the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003. All new developments at bus and railway stations include any necessary work to improve access for people with disabilities. Older people are encouraged to use public transport by the provision of Senior Smartpasses, which enable those over 65 to travel free.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures are in place to support the provision of park and ride facilities outside Greater Belfast; what plans he has to develop secure interchange sites at Trooperslane and Corrs Corner; and if he will make a statement. [144276]
§ Mr. SpellarI have asked the Chief Executive of Roads Service to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to develop bus lanes and quality bus corridors outside Greater Belfast. [144277]
§ Mr. SpellarI have asked the Chief Executive of Roads Service to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to promote the development of park and ride facilities; and if he will make a statement.[144402]
§ Mr. SpellarI have asked the Chief Executive of Roads Service to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.