10 September 2025 

SDLP North Belfast Councillor, Carl Whyte, has said that new figures from the Department for Infrastructure show public transport use is still languishing below pre-pandemic levels, blaming years of inaction and underinvestment.

Despite a slight increase in usage last year, Councillor Whyte has called for "bold, imaginative action" to truly tackle the issue.

The Public Transport Statistics Northern Ireland 2024-25 report shows a total of 81.1 million bus and rail journeys last year - short of the 83.4 million recorded in 2019/20.

Fare increases introduced in June 2024 saw public transport receipts rise to £211.1 million, compared with £192.2 million last year and £181.2 million in 2019/20. While part of this increase may reflect higher costs, it also means that passengers are contributing more overall. Many now expect to see that revenue reinvested in better services.

SDLP Councillor Carl Whyte said:

"While other countries have reversed the decline in public transport use since Covid, we are still lagging behind. These were the years when, with vision and investment, we could have surpassed pre-pandemic figures.

"Instead, the Minister and her department have offered the same excuses while delivering no meaningful improvements for passengers. People are being asked to pay more yet getting less. Revenues are now higher than before the pandemic, which exposes the myth that there is no money.

"Passengers rightly expect to see investment in better services, safer cycle lanes and a proper year-round night bus network.

"In Belfast particularly, the absence of reliable night transport is holding the city back, whether for workers on late shifts or for people enjoying the night-time economy.

"The time for excuses is over. What's needed now is bold, imaginative action to deliver the modern, affordable and sustainable public transport system that people here deserve."