Some elements in society see buses as a soft target

Ted Hesketh Translink

Translink managing director Ted Hesketh told the assembly's Regional Development Committee on Wednesday the services were to be withdrawn because of constant attacks and vandalism.

Mr Hesketh said: "It is regrettable that we have had to make these decisions (to withdraw services) as we do not want the whole community to suffer because of the misdeeds of a few.

"There is something very sad about the fact that some elements in society see buses as a soft target.

"However, I feel that we are justified in asking local politicians, community leaders and police to make every effort to create a climate in which acts of vandalism and attacks on bus staff are effectively deterred and culprits apprehended before someone is killed."

Ted Hesketh: Buses are under constant attack

Mr Hesketh told the committee that since July there had been 20 reported assaults on drivers, 10 robberies and almost 100 attacks on vehicles.

A total of 863 windows had been smashed - an average of six shattered a day. The number of broken windows has risen by 128% since 1994.

The cut to the number 57 route after 1730 GMT in the evenings came into force last week after a female driver was robbed at knifepoint.

The withdrawal of services will mean many people living in west Belfast are greatly inconvenienced

Joe Hendron SDLP

Translink, which runs most of Northern Ireland's bus and rail services, said it was left with no choice but to cut the service after the upsurge in the attacks.

Politicians strongly criticised the decision to withdraw the services.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Jim Rodgers and his deputy Hugh Smyth called for an urgent meeting with the transport company to discuss the matter.

In a joint statement, the politicians said attacks on drivers and buses were "reprehensible".

But they added: "We would be concerned that this is a way of Citybus saving money by withdrawing evening services which provide such a vital service to the elderly in particular."

SDLP assembly member Dr Joe Hendron said his constituents in West Belfast should not have to suffer because of the "mindless violence" of a few.

"I understand that Translink staff must be protected and that their safety is paramount.

"However, the withdrawal of services will mean many people living in west Belfast are greatly inconvenienced."

The General Consumer Council said it hoped the move would be a "temporary emergency measure which will be reviewed on a daily basis, so services can be restored as quickly as possible".