"Common sense" as Belfast taxis lobby for use of bus lanes to reduce congestion
The Licensed Taxi Operators Association has expressed disappointment at comments by Stormont's infrastructure Minister that an initiative to allow taxis into certain bus lanes will not happen until at least after Christmas
Belfast's cabbies have once again called for access to bus lanes in an effort to alleviate the city's severe traffic problems. With drivers reporting lengthy delays, particularly during the evening rush hours, taxi associations are pressing for a rethink on the current restrictions. Belfast Live readers are mainly supportive of the idea as they are desperate for an improvement to traffic.
Earlier this week, the Licensed Taxi Operators Association (LTOA) voice their frustration after Stormont's infrastructure Minister indicated that plans to permit taxis into certain bus lanes won't come into effect until post-Christmas at the earliest.
Belfast has been suffering from intense traffic problems over recent months due to various factors including disruptions by the new Grand Central Station developments, ongoing roadworks, and increased traffic as weather conditions deteriorate and more people resume commuting to work.
The LTOA admits that while granting Class A taxis the use of bus lanes won't completely resolve traffic issues, it will certainly help. They state that "Long term, the best solutions are to reduce the number of private vehicles using the city and to improve and expand public transport – two effective initiatives, but ones which will take time, money and willingness to implement – the city needs help now."
During a recent Assembly session, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd acknowledged the notable delays affecting car journey times within the city centre. He also encouraged the public to explore other travel options. Speaking to MLAs, Mr O’Dowd mentioned that he had previously alerted the public about potential traffic issues due to road and infrastructure works.
He added that a strategic oversight group, including the PSNI and Translink, has been set up to look into ways of reducing congestion during peak hours.
Commenter Dooter thinks: “The last thing they want to do is allow taxis into the bus lanes. Taxi drivers are the worst drivers for patience!”
Weeed disagrees: “Belfast Council, just admit you are wrong & open the bus lanes.”
G MACsays : “It's common sense to open the bus lanes for all taxi drivers.”
Belfastvibes disagrees: “But why? They are filling their pockets as many other workers are left sat waiting in normal lanes. They are no different!”
Jp1978 scoffs: “Sounds too much like common sense, the DFI will never go for it. Letting taxis use bus lanes after Christmas when the busy period is over? That shows you the mentality of the people in charge of our road network. Absolute joke.”
Davyshore says: “Just open the bus lanes to traffic at off peak times. They are empty most of the day.”
Sam7691 agrees: “Yes because the roads are beyond capacity, yet the bus lanes are getting a few buses every hour,this place is a mess.”
Jimmynoshoes2 jokes: “O’Dowd suggested that we should work from home to ease traffic congestion. I think that’s a great idea seeing as I’m a bricklayer.”
Nemo2000 points out: “So long as all traffic is funnelled through Belfast, Belfast will remain congested. Belfast needs its very own M25, every morning the M2 backs up into Belfast, the other week it was backed up 15 miles and funnelling through Belfast and no amount of buses will have solved that problem. I have no doubt the M1 and A2 are any different.”
B3lfasthandyman says: “The powers that be need to look at what they have done. They have moved the pelican crossing from outside Robbos to GOH even though most people are walking down Glengall Street to get to GCS. They have stopped the left turn into Grosvenor Road, why? It baffles me! They are forcing all traffic towards Millfield to access Westlink and between GOH and millfield there are 5 sets of lights and no access over Boyne Bridge. It’s a bridge, why knock it down? Why didn’t they just pedestrianise underneath it? There is also no drop off or pick up point at GCS, so when cars/taxis stop there are always going to be tailbacks.”
Reincarnation is tired of the whole thing: “Scrap all bus lanes, have a free for all like it used to be. It worked then, even with daily road closures.”
SupportOurNHS thinks: “I think most of you are completely missing the point, they WANT your driving experience around Belfast to be a nightmare, so you get so fed up with driving the car and use public transport instead! They'll not change a thing because it's their objective to cause congestion and misery in cars!”
What do you think? Should taxis be allowed in the bus lanes? Have your say in our comments section.