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Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has challenged Translink officials over plans to reduce public transport services, warning that rural and remote communities could be hardest hit. The exchange took place at an Infrastructure Committee meeting at Stormont today 20 May 2026.
Translink officials told the committee the company recorded a loss of £27 million for the 2025/2026 financial year and is now facing significant budgetary pressures. As a result, the company is considering both service reductions and changes to fare discount schemes.
McNulty, who is an SDLP MLA, said the prospect of cuts "raises a red flag" and pressed officials on the equality implications of their approach, particularly for people in rural areas who depend on public transport and are already isolated.
Translink officials confirmed that service reductions were not simply being considered but were now expected, telling the committee: "Just to clarify, what we are actually saying is that service reduction will be necessary, based on where we see funding and that's what we are going to start the consultation with. Because we just don't see any other way. We have to act responsibly as a company."
When McNulty pushed further on whether the cuts would disproportionately affect rural communities who are already disconnected and remote, Translink confirmed that was a fair comment.
The proposed changes would reduce the services available to passengers while also making public transport more expensive, with those living in areas served by less profitable routes facing the greatest risk of losing services entirely.
