Abstract
The paper axamines existing organisations and structures that are responsible for the transport system in Northern Ireland, outlines a broad concept of needs-based accessible transport, identifies organisational and structural requirements for the development of such through a central transport planning research function, arguing its importance for the long term development of transport provision for all in Northern Ireland. The location of a planning research function within a body responsible for the development of truly public transport is discussed. The paper is based on the Northern Ireland Council on Disability's submissions to the present review of passenger transportation in Northern Ireland.