To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what steps her Department is taking to encourage people living in rural areas, who are currently relying on private transport providers for essential journeys, to access public transport.

I would like to state that, whilst Translink delivers the majority of our public transport network, private transport providers play an important role in improving our connectivity within the North.

As you will be aware, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is recommended that the public avoid all unnecessary travel and, where travel is necessary, people are asked to walk, cycle or use private transport. By following this approach, we can ensure that our public transport network is being used by those people who have no alternative means of travel.

Throughout the pandemic, whilst I have not encouraged the uptake of public transport for safety reasons, I have been committed to maintaining a public transport network that covers all of Northern Ireland, including our rural areas, for those who need it.

In light of this, Translink has delivered a comprehensive package of up-to-date service information and messaging to support public transport usage through the Let's Go Safely Together Campaign, which has included messaging on the mandatory wearing of face coverings, social distancing, hand hygiene and the availability of contactless forms of ticketing/payment.