Ulster Unionist Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has secured support from the Executive to begin the detailed design and implementation of the new Belfast Rapid Transit system.
The cross departmental endorsement comes following the presentation today, to the Executive, of the findings from the Department for Regional Development’s Outline Business Case which identifies the recommended network routes, procurement strategy and business model for Belfast Rapid Transit.
Danny Kennedy said: “This is an innovative and ambitious project that will create a new and dynamic public transport system for Belfast, one that will provide people with better access to jobs, hospitals, shops, schools, colleges, and entertainment.
“Now, with the Executive’s support, we will begin work on the detailed design and implementation stage.
“The speed, reliability and comfort of the new services will be an attractive alternative to travellers who will no doubt be tempted by the experience of travel within the city on Belfast Rapid Transit.
“The system will utilise very high quality rapid transit vehicles akin to a modern tram or light rail type vehicle. They will provide an excellent environment for passengers in terms of comfort, space, security and on-board information. The system will also incorporate high quality halts with level access to vehicles, real time information systems for easier journey planning and off vehicle ticketing to speed up the boarding process.”
The three Belfast Rapid Transit routes will initially link Dundonald in East Belfast, McKinstry Road in West Belfast and the Titanic Quarter with and through the city centre. These routes will connect with a one-way city centre loop which is currently being facilitated by the Department’s Belfast on the Move Transport Masterplan.
The Minister went on to say “The preferred routes for Belfast Rapid Transit were the subject of public consultation from 12 October 2011 to 6 January 2012. I would like to thank the large numbers of people who responded to this consultation and gave their views on the proposals. We took those views into consideration and as a result we have amended the WWAY route between the city centre and the Royal Victoria Hospital to use Divis Street and Lower Falls Road rather than Grosvenor Road. In addition we have confirmed the EWAY route as using the Upper Newtownards Road rather than the Comber Greenway.
“Subject to the success of these initial routes and the future availability of funding, the inherent flexibility of this bus-based system will allow it to be extended to serve north and south Belfast.”
The majority of the design and procurement for Belfast Rapid Transit will be delivered through the existing expertise within the Department’s Roads Service.
The Outline Business Case identified that a direct award of the contract to operate Belfast Rapid Transit to Translink, subject to clarification on performance and contractual issues, represents the best option available for service procurement. In awarding the contract, the Department must be satisfied that Translink can fully meet the performance and efficiency targets for a directly awarded contract and will be accountable for the patronage and performance of Belfast Rapid Transit.
The Minister concluded: “A direct award of service operations to Translink will bring many benefits in terms of integration with other public transport services and the potential for their early involvement in the design and procurement of the infrastructure and vehicles.
“My Department is now preparing the detailed plans for Belfast Rapid Transit which we aim to deliver by the end of 2017. Over the next few years we will gradually deliver the infrastructure necessary for the new system.”
Prior to Belfast Rapid Transit becoming fully operational this improved infrastructure will benefit existing public transport services making travel in the city more sustainable.