The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has launched its Draft Transport Strategy 2035 consultation, setting out a vision for a “sustainable, safe, accessible and effective transport system” that meets climate change targets, serves both urban and rural communities, and supports economic growth.

The Countryside Alliance welcomes this vision, but we are clear that rural transport must be placed on equal footing with urban provision, backed by measurable targets, dedicated funding, and genuine engagement with rural stakeholders.

Our Key Messages to DfI

1. Strong vision — But delivery for rural areas is key
   We support the Strategy’s overarching vision and its focus on tackling congestion, climate change, health, wellbeing, road safety, and equality. However, these issues play out differently in rural Northern Ireland:

• • Congestion is often concentrated around market towns, not city centres.
  • Climate change solutions must be viable for communities where public transport is infrequent.
  • Equality means ensuring rural residents are not left behind in the low-carbon transition.

2. Strategic Priority 1 – Resilient & sustainable transport
   We agree that transport must be climate-resilient and sustainable, but for rural Northern Ireland that means:

• • Flood-resistant roads and bridges.
  • Reliable winter maintenance.
  • Rural public transport with realistic low-carbon options.

3. Carbon Reduction — Rural reality check
   We support the drive to reduce transport emissions, but DfI must recognise that rural residents have higher car dependency. Carbon targets should be accompanied by:

• • Investment in rural charging and hydrogen refuelling points.
  • Community-based shared transport schemes.
  • Flexible, low-emission buses and coaches serving dispersed areas.

4. Integrated planning must include villages and hamlets
   Transport and land use planning must protect rural corridors, link small settlements to local hubs, and invest in safe walking/cycling routes between villages and towns.
   
   
5. Strategic Priority 2 – Connected & inclusive communities
   Rural communities must have:

• • A Rural Transport Charter with minimum service standards.
  • Integrated ticketing between bus, rail, and community transport.
  • Parking provision in small towns to sustain local business.

6. Public and Shared Transport
   From buses and trains to taxis and community transport, rural provision must be expanded, not reduced. We have called for:

• • More evening/weekend rural bus services.
  • Fare subsidies for rural taxis.
  • Digital and phone booking options to avoid excluding those without reliable internet.

7. Strategic Priority 3 – Safe & healthy
   Rural roads have disproportionately high casualty rates. We have urged:

• • Targeted safety improvements on rural routes.
  • Better lighting, signage, and cycle safety measures.
  • Protection of rural rail crossings.

8. Strategic Priority 4 – Green Growth
   The green economy will not thrive in the countryside without proper connectivity. We recommend:

• • Investment in EV/hydrogen hubs in rural towns.
  • Active travel infrastructure that supports tourism.
  • Freight corridor protection to keep rural supply chains moving.

9. Investment, Monitoring, and Rural Proofing
   We welcome the Strategy’s commitment to delivery, but rural proofing must be more than a tick-box exercise. We have called for:

• • Ring-fenced rural transport investment.
  • Annual progress reports with rural-specific KPIs.
  • Independent review of the Rural Proof Assessment.

The Countryside Alliance will continue to engage with DfI to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the transport transition.
A modern, low-carbon, inclusive transport system must work for everyone, from the centre of Belfast to the most remote farm lane.

If you live in a rural area and want to have your say, you can respond to the consultation before the deadline here: Draft Transport Strategy 2035 Consultation.