To ask the Minister for Regional Development to detail the Departments he is cooperating with to assess the need for transport reform in rural areas and to ensure the implementation of proposed improvements to rural public transport facilities.

My Department is currently working with a number of organisations on a pilot project to trial the feasibility of improved integration of publicly funded passenger transport services in the Dungannon area. The organisations involved include the Department of Education, the Southern Education and Library Board, the Department of the Environment, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Health and Social Care Board, the Southern Health Trust, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Translink, Community Transport and the Federation of Passenger Transport.

The main purpose of the pilot is to identify opportunities to improve public transport options for passengers, particularly in rural areas, through a more flexible approach to the use of all the resources that are available to the different transport providers. The pilot is due to be completed later this year and all of the Departments will be involved in the evaluation and in the appraisal of the options for wider implementation.

In respect of proposed improvements to rural public transport facilities, Translink has advised that plans are in place to provide new accessible platforms at the Bellarena Halt when the Coleraine to Londonderry Phase 2 upgrade works commence. In addition, a contract to improve passenger facilities at Ballymoney Rail Station has been approved and it is planned to commence the off-street bus station at Banbridge next year.