Translink’s earnings shortfall during the Coronavirus crisis is to be boosted again by the Stormont Executive to keep the buses running.
The transport company is facing a £100million loss.
The latest funding will be in addition to the £20million already used to help clear the firm’s deficit before the health emergency forced them further into the red.
A spokesperson for Translink said: “We have seen a reduction in passenger numbers of over 90%, with services operating at 10 to 15% of what we would normally see.
“Public transport will play a vital role as we work to rebuild and recover the local Northern Ireland economy.”
The government subsidy ensures Translink must keep buses running even though it has lost nine out of 10 passengers during the crisis.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Finance said: “The Executive has agreed to provide Translink with additional support in response to Covid-19 on top of the £20m provided as part of Budget 2020-21.”
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has asked Translink to explore the possibility of furloughing a number of employees.
A department spokesperson said: “Minister Mallon is expecting money to be made available to her department soon. This will allow her to allocate vital funding and ensure a sustainable service as we look to support the public throughout the Covid recovery period.”
Davy Thompson, also of Unite, said Translink had taken wide-ranging measures to protect drivers since the beginning of the pandemic.
And the company has to date suffered no Covid-related deaths.
Mr Thompson said: “I think we have to worry about everybody going back to the workplace, no matter what the workplace is. There’s a nervousness that we’ll never be 100% safe but our bus drivers have shown tremendous resilience.”
