The Glider was first introduced in Belfast seven years ago, and currently runs between East and West Belfast. An update was provided into expansion of the transit system into North and South Belfast this week.
When it was first introduced to the city in September 2018, Translink said the eco-hybrid "tram on wheels" would make travel around Belfast more convenient and hassle-free.
The latest figures show between 2023-24, there were 78.2 million journeys on public transport in Northern Ireland - an increase of 4.8 million or 6.5% since 2022-23. Of these, 45.2% were on Metro or Glider services (29.1 million).
Read more: Minister announces update on extension of Glider service
Read more: Minister under fire as Glider plan leaves out Carryduff and Glengormley
An announcement from the Infrastructure Minister on February 25 said work to expand Glider services into North and South Belfast is set to begin later this year. However, plans have been scaled back for financial reasons, with the service no longer extending into Glengormley and Carryduff.
Following the announcement, we have taken a look back at the Belfast Glider from its first days in 2018 until now.
When did the Glider start and how much did it cost?
The Glider first became operational on September 3, 2018 at an initial cost of £90 million. Construction on the project initially began in 2014.
The vehicles are articulated buses with three doors, and are around 18 metres in length. They have diesel hybrid electrical engines in a bid to emit low levels of pollution and noise.
Which Glider services are currently operational and how frequent are they?
Glider services currently connect East Belfast and West Belfast through the G1 and G2 routes. The G1 service runs cross the city between McKinstry Road roundabout in West Belfast and Dundonald Park & Ride travelling via the Stewartstown Road/ Falls Road, through the city centre, Albertbridge Road, Upper Newtownards Road.
The G2 service operates between the city centre and the Titanic Quarter (Queen’s Road). Weekday services run from 5am to 11pm, operating on a 7-9 minute interval, increasing to 4-6 minutes at peak times.
What is the proposed new Glider route from North to South Belfast?
Under new proposals, the new route will go from North Belfast to South Belfast and the G2 service will be extended to take in stops at Queen's Unversity and the City Hospital. A new announcement means the service will not go further into Glengormley and Carryduff as anticipated.
It was announced in October 2022 the preferred South Belfast section of the route would be from City Hall along Great Victoria Street, Bruce Street, Bankmore Link (proposed new public transport and cycling link Road) to Ormeau Road then continuing from Ormeau Road to Ravenhill Road intersection and along the Saintfield Road towards Carryduff.
The North Belfast section would run from City Hall along Donegall Place, Royal Avenue, Donegall Street and Clifton Street to Carlisle Circus then continuing along Antrim Road to Glengormley.
Meanwhile, the G2 would be extended along Great Victoria Street, Bruce Street, Dublin Road, University Road, Elmwood Avenue and returning to the city centre via Lisburn Road and Great Victoria Street.
However, following a feasibility study, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced the service's plans will be scaled back. The minister said "any extension of the Glider service beyond Cairnshill Road Park and Ride towards Carryduff is not economically viable at this time" and that "significant congestion within Glengormley, the pending public realm scheme planned for the town and the limited funding available for the BRT2 scheme make it challenging to extend the service into Glengormley."
When will the new route be operational?
Back in October 2022, then Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said that subject to funding, the new route could be operational in autumn 2027. The Department has since said that it could now be 2030 before the routes are in place.
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