VIEW: The new 'glider' being used for Belfast's rapid transit scheme

By David Hunter

The new Belfast Rapid Transit Glider vehicle has been unveiled at a bus exhibition in Belgium.

The service will come into operation in September next year in a bid to transform public transport in Belfast.

Translink say 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 new 18metre 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' will carry 105 passengers and will feature real time passenger information, audio and destination announcements, CCTV, free Wi-Fi, and USB charging facilities. 

 
Ciarán de Búrca, Department for Infrastructure Director of Transport Projects said: “Today we see a very significant step forward for the £90m flagship Belfast Rapid Transit project, with the launch of the Glider vehicle and brand.
 
“The new Glider vehicles, which have been specifically designed for Belfast, will start arriving in Belfast later this year."
 
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister, who helped to formally unveil the Glider vehicle, 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.
 
“Belfast - like all strong and vibrant cities - needs a transport system that is befitting a global city, and I believe the new Glider service will help to deliver that for Belfast and its residents, workers and visitors."