Translink moves to address Bradley Way shortcomings-Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein Cllr Jarlath Mc Nulty has welcomed confirmation from Translink that it is taking steps to address shortcomings in relation to arrangements at the New Bus Depot at Bradley Way in Strabane following representations from Council.

Cllr Mc Nulty said,
“Further to a large number of representations from local bus users and a steady stream of concerns and complaints expressed by them in relation to the existing arrangements at the new Bus Depot at Bradley Way in Strabane, Council made representations to Translink requesting that it take steps to address clear shortcomings in regards to existing arrangements at the Depot.

“On foot of these representations, Translink officials have now come back to Council outlining the steps that they are going to take to address the concerns and complaints of users of the depot.

“To address the major confusion which exists in regards to which Express buses stop off in town centre and which do not, Translink say that only three Express buses do not stop off in the town centre and that they will be taking out adverts in the local press to clarify the situation. They have also promised to provide supplementary information in regards to the new schedule/drop off point arrangements at appropriate locations in the town.

“Another major issue is the absence of a public telephone at the new depot especially for passengers who are dropped off there after the depot closes at 5pm, and who are stranded without any means of contacting a taxi, a relative or friend to come and pick them up. Translink are now to have an external Public telephone installed to facilitate passengers at the Depot. Metal seating is also to be installed in the outdoor covered area of the Depot to facilitate passengers especially when the depot is closed.

“Translink has also ordered vending machines for the depot and they should be in place very shortly. In terms of signage to identify the depot, Translink has now applied to Road’s Service to have directional signage installed.

“In terms of the limited opening hours of the Depot, officials said that they could not, as yet, justify longer opening hours but promised that they will be review the situation in six months time and would consider longer opening hours if possible. Unfortunately, this means that users will still have no access to the depots public toilets after 5pm and when it closes at lunch time but hopefully this problem can also be addressed through additional dialogue with Council.