Minister gives update on Belfast Glider scheme

The next steps for the second phase of Belfast's Rapid Transit Glider project have been announced.

The scheme will see the Glider service extended to both north and south Belfast.

Work will begin later in the year.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “The Belfast Rapid Transit Glider service has been a huge success and has helped transform and modernise public transport services in the east and west of the city. BRT2 will provide this innovative service to the north and south of the city, bringing the benefits of the Glider service to communities living along this route.

“This scheme is a £48 million investment in our public transport infrastructure. It is one of the projects being taken forward by my department as part of the Belfast Region City Deal. Funding of £35m has been allocated from our Deal partners, with an additional £13 million from my Department to deliver a park and ride on the O’Neill Road.

“Park and Ride is a key enabler to encouraging behavioural shift and helping to drive down congestion and emissions. This phase will allow us to put in place key infrastructure which will complement the wider scheme.”

Speaking on behalf of Belfast Region City Deal Partners, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray said: “The Belfast Region City Deal – the result of a strong and established partnership – is now well into delivery phase.

"The announcement today from the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins is another important step forward. We have already seen the impact of the Glider service which has helped to transform public transport services in Belfast since its introduction in September 2018.

"The Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 project is the further development of this hugely successful scheme which will see the Glider service extended to the north and south of the city."

Councillor Murray is hopeful of quick progress on the scheme at this point:

"I am delighted that with funding of £35million from the Belfast Region City Deal, along with an additional £13m announced by the Minister, the Department for Infrastructure can make significant early progress in anticipation of delivery of the entire scheme in the coming years.”