The Stormont Transport Minister Conor Murphy, has just announced the publication of a consultation report on his proposals to reform the public transport system.

The Minister said: "Following the completion of an extensive consultation exercise, I am pleased to present this report.

"The reform proposals contained in the report will ensure the provision of a high quality, integrated public transport system that will put a greater focus on delivering efficient, affordable services that are responsive to local customer needs."

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The consultation took place between November 2009 and February 2010. During this period, the Department for Regional Development held a series of public meetings, met with various stakeholders, and received 103 written responses.

The proposed policy changes contained in the report include a power for the Department to award contracts for the provision of public transport services, the creation of a public transport service permit system, the regulation of fares and a power to allow the Department to designate bus stations as 'shared facilities'.

The Department now plans to seek Executive agreement to introduce a Bill into the Assembly in June 2010 to legislate for these proposed policy changes.

(BMcC/GK)