The new Belfast Rapid Transit Glider vehicle has been unveiled today at the Busworld Europe exhibition in Belgium.
Imtac has worked closely with the Department for Infrastructure and Translink around the design of the new vehicles. Members had the opportunity to comment on a mock up of the proposed vehicle. As a result a number of changes have been made to the layout of the vehicle including more flexible space, useful for a range of passengers. All Glider vehicles have a dedicated space for wheelchair users and additional priority seats. Separate dedicated space is provided for parents with buggys. All vehicles have audio and visual next stop announcements.
The new Glider service will come into operation in September 2018 and is set to transform public transport in Belfast. 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 18 metre 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 vehicle will carry 105 passengers and will feature real time passenger information, audio next stop and destination announcements, CCTV, free Wi-Fi, USB charging facilities and air conditioning.