THE Community Transport Association (CTA)has written an open letter to its members in Northern Ireland criticising Stormont officials for a potential "huge amount of disruption" arising from its proposed changes to minibus licences.
It comes as Sinn Féin called on the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to clarify a statement earlier this week in which it said it expects "the majority" of community and voluntary organisations to "be unaffected".
Bill Freeman, the chief executive of the CTA, wrote: "We believe the DfI has listened to some of the concerns of CTA and our members but their actions are still likely to cause a huge amount of disruption to our members and the passengers who rely on their services and activities in Northern Ireland.
"Everywhere we go the message is clear: people love the work you do and want to see that work continue. People do not understand why regulation would make it more difficult for you to do your job."
Sinn Féin Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Seán Lynch said: "While it is welcome if they (the department) are now saying the majority will not be affected by minibus licence changes, they need to go further and explain how this is the case and what protections are in place."
Under current rules a permit scheme, which has been in operation for half a century but breaches EU law, allows drivers with regular car licences to operate minibuses on a 'not for profit' basis for schools, charities and community transport associations.
Changes will see minibus drivers forced to undergo re-testing for new licences.
After issuing initial guidance and a consultation for changes in June, last month the department said that it had received "correspondence threatening legal action against the current arrangements".
As a result it has now moved to clarify the guidance, with the consultation due to end on December 8.
