THE north's bus and coach industry carries 20 million passengers every year, directly employs 3,000 people, and contributes £60 million a year to the economy, new figures show.
The data comes from the Bus & Coach Northern Ireland organisation to mark its 20 years representing operators (both public and private) and industry suppliers in the sector.
And its members have acknowledged the vital role it has played in the huge growth of the sector, including getting it back on the road after it was decimated by Covid-19.
Caroline McComb, chairman of the industry body, said: “The bus and coach industry has seen huge changes since 2003. Twenty years ago we weren’t even viewed as an industry, female bus or coach drivers were like mythical creatures, and electric vehicles were only a thing for futuristic films.
“But over the last two decades Bus & Coach NI has worked tirelessly to change this and has transformed the industry.
“In this time, we have demonstrated the huge economic driver and fundamental role the industry plays, not only in transport provision, but through local and regional development, employment and tax generation.
“It is an industry that crosses over from passenger transport to sport, education, tourism, and culture and both the public and private sector operators truly are better connected.”
She added: “Bus & Coach NI has played a pivotal role in this growth. And when our industry was abandoned during the pandemic, the organisation was there, knocking down doors to the government to get us the funding support that we so desperately needed and deserved.
“It secured the future of our industry, ensuring that the most reputable operators have survived the pandemic. Thanks to Bus & Coach NI, we are now thriving and operating in Northern Ireland’s booming travel, tourism and leisure industry.”
Karen Magill, chief executive of Bus & Coach NI, added: “We are delighted to celebrate 20 years and to recognise the work the organisation has done on behalf of our members and the transport industry and indeed, domestic and international passengers, communities, organisations and businesses across Northern Ireland.
“It has not been easy, having started our journey with an industry made up of a fragmented and disparate group of private operators who thankfully had identified a desperate need for things to change.
“Looking at where we are today and the huge transformation it has undergone, it’s a very satisfying realisation that we were the catalyst for change.”
“And while we have come a long way, we still have so much to do to improve Northern Ireland’s transport system.
“Transport is facing many challenges and there are issues that need addressed to improve our infrastructure, sustainability, modal shift, climate change and the obvious concerns over the impact the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorisation will have.
“But as an industry, we are much better connected than we were 20 years ago and we are committed and ready to play our part. The private bus and coach industry has earned the right to take its place now.”
