Experimental Traffic Control Scheme (ETCS) – Taxis in Bus Lanes, Belfast City Centre in the vicinity of Belfast Grand Central Station (BGCS)

Overview

Experimental Traffic Control Scheme (ETCS) – Taxis in Bus Lanes, Belfast City Centre in the vicinity of Belfast Grand Central Station (BGCS)

There are four classes of taxi in Northern Ireland: A, B, C, and D. The taxi class determines how that taxi can be used. Further information can be obtained from the link: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/taxis-and-their-services

Currently the following Classes of taxis are permitted to use any bus lanes where the adjacent traffic sign says Permitted Taxi:

•         Class B wheelchair accessible taxis; and, 

•         Class D taxis.

On Monday 8 September 2025 Class A, B, C and D taxis were permitted, on a trial basis, to use the following bus lanes:

Inbound towards the City Centre:

• Shaftesbury Square
• Great Victoria Street (Shaftesbury Square – Grosvenor Road) 

Outbound Away from City Centre:

• Great Victoria Street (Howard Street – Bruce Street)
• Bruce Street
• Dublin Road

The normal operational hours for these bus lanes remain unchanged and these times are as indicated on the adjacent traffic sign.

A temporary traffic regulation (TTR) made on 17 December 2024 to allow certain taxis to use the bus lanes identified and this became operational from 18 December 2024.  

The Department publicised its intention to make the Experimental Traffic Control Scheme (ETCS) – Taxis in Bus Lanes – Belfast City Centre on 13 January 2025.  The consultation opened on 14 January 2025 and closed on 5 February 2025.  A copy of the report can be viewed from the following link: -

Experimental Traffic Control Scheme Taxis in Bus Lanes - Belfast City Centre 2025 | Department for Infrastructure

On Monday 8 September 2025, an experimental traffic control scheme (ETCS) replaced the TTR and the scheme will be reviewed after 6 months with a view to either extending the scheme for a further 6 months or stopping it.  If extended an ETCS can last for a period of up to 18 months.

During the scheme the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) will be assessing the impact of the taxis on the operation of the bus lanes.   This will include seeking data on the safety of bus lane users, as well as any impact on journey times, vehicle speeds and volumes. 

DfI is also seeking views on the scheme and the possible future use of bus lanes to help it reach a decision on the long-term access arrangements for taxis in bus lanes and has prepared this short on-line consultation to gather these views.

Once the consultation has been completed and all data reviewed, DfI will publish their findings on the DfI internet webpage.

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act places a statutory obligation on Public Authorities to carry out their functions with due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and good relations in respect of religious belief, political opinion, gender, race, disability, age, marital status, dependants and sexual orientation.  Questions have been provided to help DfI understand any inequalities and where any measurable positive impacts can be provided.

Why your views matter

We want to hear your views on all aspects of this consultation and we would encourage you to answer the questions in the consultation survey.

Your answers to the questions will help inform the development of future policy proposals and decisions.

Please note that the responses to the consultation must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 10 June 2026. All responses received by this date will be considered.