Lord Mayor Unveils New Belfast Rapid Transit Glider Vehicle

The Lord Mayor of Belfast has unveiled the new Belfast Rapid Transit Glider vehicle Busworld Europe exhibition in Belgium.

The new Glider service will come into operation in September 2018 and is set to transform public transport in Belfast.

It will offer passengers a modern, efficient public transport service with shorter, more reliable journey times and high frequency services.

Glider services will operate every 7-8 minutes throughout the working day linking east Belfast, west Belfast and Titanic Quarter via the city centre. The 18 metre articulated Glider vehicles will use the latest diesel-electric hybrid engine technology delivering a smoother take off from halts, lower noise, reduced vibration and lower emissions. Each Glider vehicle will carry 105 passengers and will feature real time passenger information, audio next stop and destination announcements, CCTV, free Wi-Fi, USB charging facilities and air conditioning.

The new Glider service will be operated by Translink and Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: "Glider is the iconic new face of public transport in Belfast, helping to energise the city. Our customers can expect a modern, high-capacity and high-frequency rapid transit service which integrates with our existing bus and rail network. With additional features such as on-board Wi-Fi, USB charging facilities and a new innovative and easy-to-use, off-vehicle ticketing system, Glider will deliver quicker boarding times and offer excellent value for money fares."

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister, said: "As part of Belfast City Council’s Belfast Agenda we have committed to work in partnership to progress the transport infrastructure and create a modern and efficient transport system for Belfast. This investment by the Department of Infrastructure will help to ensure that our transport infrastructure will be a catalyst for growth, not a constraint to it, and will increase Belfast’s ability to attract future inward investment."

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA said: "This project will not only make it easier for users to travel across Belfast, but is a crucial step towards ending congestion on our roads and will have a significant impact on our tourist economy - making the city much easier to navigate for everyone.

"Belfast is a busy commuter city, with cars, cyclists and motorists often crammed and fighting for space. Not only will this increase in years to come, but can only have an adverse effect on our local environment and so it is essential we get the mix right, making room for everyone.

"We must take all steps possible to protect the world around us. These new vehicles will help us deliver a cleaner, greener environment for all who live and work here and I can't wait to see them start arriving in Belfast later this year."

(CD)