Infrastructure Minister has announced the next steps
for Phase 2 of the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT2) project, which
will see the Glider service extended to north and south
Belfast. Work will begin on this phase later this
year.
Minister 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.
“The next steps in the project which will get underway
later this year will include delivery of:
-
the full G2 extension connecting with Queen's
University and the City Hospital including halts;
-
a pilot scheme will trial four EV Gliders on the
existing G1 (East West) route releasing existing vehicles to
service the G2 extension;
-
bus priority measures from Clifton Street to Innisfayle
Park along the Antrim Road and from Ormeau Road to Park Road on
the southern route in readiness for the full BRT2
scheme;
-
a park and ride site on the O'Neill Road;
-
the introduction of bus priority measures in the city
centre; and
-
the design and construction of Bankmore Link to provide
key linkages for the Belfast Cycle Network and connectivity
between the proposed new Lagan Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge and
Grand Central Station.
“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.”
In October 2022, Minister O'Dowd announced the route along the
Antrim Road in the north, and the Ormeau Road and Saintfield Road
in the south.
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 and the
announcement today from the Infrastructure Minister, 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. 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.”
Advancement of the BRT2 Scheme will be subject to the approval of
the Outline Business Case, which is in an advanced stage.
Notes to editors:
- The Minister made a statement in the Assembly Chamber today
on BRT Phase 2. Full statement is available at:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/statement-minister-kimmins-belfast-rapid-transit-2
- The BRT 2 project is one of three projects being taken
forward by the Department as part of the Belfast Region City
Deal.
