Ahead of the Derry City and Strabane District Council debate on his motion defending public transport, People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin said,
"We need to send Translink's consultation and Stormont a clear message that public transportation must be protected and expanded, not cut.
Our motion calls for all representatives to back the trade union and student union campaign opposing cuts to public transport services and fare hikes.
Vastly expanding the public transport network, both bus and rail, is critical for addressing congestion, pollution, accessibility, affordability and regional disparities.
The Infrastructure Minister and Stormont Executive can't sit on their hands while damaging cuts are imposed.
Transport authorities in the South also plan to increase fares by 15%, while households similarly struggle with cost-of-living pressures.
The expansion of public transportation on an all-Ireland basis must be a priority for Stormont and the Dáil.
This goal won't be served by making it more expensive to use public transport and by cutting back services.
It's in the interest of the vast majority of people across this island that government intervenes to ensure there is adequate funding for public transport."
People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin's motion to Derry and Strabane Council meeting on Wednesday 24th September:
"Council agrees the expansion of public transport, bus and rail, is an urgent priority to reduce congestion, pollution and address disparity.
Council also agrees public transport should be reduced in cost in order to increase affordability and accessibility.
Therefore, Council is alarmed at Translink's consultation on the reduction of public transport services and the removal of discount fares.
Council agrees cuts to public transport and increased fare costs goes in the wrong direction and must be opposed.
Council supports the trade union and student union campaign opposing transport cuts and fare hikes.
Council will write to Translink making clear our opposition to public transport cuts and increased fare costs.
Council calls on and will write to the DfI Minister urging intervention to ensure cuts and fare hikes are not necessary, and to increase funding for public transport to expand it and reduce it in cost.
Council will invite UNITE, GMB, SIPTU and NUS-USI for an urgent deputation to outline their concerns."
