Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins 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, 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. 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: