Bus operators hit hard during covid-19 crisis says Boylan.
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said the Economy Minister needs to establish a recovery strategy for the transport sector to give bus and coach operators support to recover from losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “Private bus coaches especially have been hit hard recently as trade has completely fallen during covid-19.
“Like others in the transport sector private coaches generally have a lot of overhead costs which are hurting them during this disruption of trade such as insurance costs and leases.
“The huge downturn in the tourist industry has also impacted many operators as well.
“The infrastructure committee agreed to reach out to the Infrastructure and Economy ministers on the issue of support for private coach operators during covid-19.
“Additionally, I have written to the minister of the economy to ask whether she intends to establish a recovery strategy for transport-related sectors, including bus operators to help kick start the sector again.
“I have also been raising the need for producing safe travel guidance during this period as bus operators need to know how to best practice health and safety at this time,” said Cathal Boylan.
