Ulster Unionist MEP, Jim Nicholson has welcomed his party colleague, Transport Minister Danny Kennedy’s announcement earmarking a £20million package for the provision of 40 rapid transit vehicles for the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Work has officially started on the BRT with the construction of a 520 space park-and-ride facility at Dundonald in the east of the city.
The BRT will link the city centre with west and east Belfast and the Titanic Quarter. It is expected to be fully operational by 2017.
Mr Nicholson said:
"This is a very important strategic transport development in our capital City and I will urgently be seeking the necessary European Union money to help offset the cost of infrastructural work and other dimensional outlay.
"Good quality, accessible transport is absolutely essential in a city the size of Belfast and this latest initiative will undoubtedly improve the traffic flow in what, at times, can be a highly congested urban belt."