Alliance Infrastructure and Finance Spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has called on a joint approach from the Infrastructure and Economy Minister to deliver a support package for Private Bus and Coach Operators who face a bleak future without assistance.

Speaking after he help a meeting with operators on Tuesday, Mr Muir said this “key part of our economy” had been largely overlooked to date.

He said: “With trade for 2020 almost a write off but loan payments, insurance bills still to pay and furloughing scheme tapering off it’s essential government steps forward with a financial bridge to 2021 to ensure companies able to facilitate significant elements of our economy such as Tourism reliant upon Private Bus and Coach operators.

“I met with many operators on Tuesday and raised plight of the industry at Assembly Infrastructure Committee who agreed to write to both Ministers about the issue. Build up often by families over decades Private Bus and Coach Operators are a key part of our economy and transport system and need help to get through the nightmare that 2020 is proving to be.”