Belfast's IMPRESSIVE Glider, a BRT System connecting East and West of the city for the first time!
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- čas přidán 22. 11. 2023
- Today we’re taking a brief look at the latest development in public transport in the city of Belfast. It’s called the Glider and I’m in the East Belfast suburb of Dundonald waiting on what’s called the G1 service.
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There’s a very easy to operate ticket machine at all the stops making payment simple and this journey, which could take me right across the city, East to West, has cost me £2.20. The final terminus in the west of the city is McKinstry Road, that’s the on the Stewartstown Road and the service starts in the eastern suburb of Belfast at Dundonald Park and ride facility, not far from here.
The buses are recognisable by their covered wheels and articulation in the middle, it’s essentially in two parts and 18 meters long in total. They have three doors making it quite a bit easier to get on board compared to a normal bus and once inside they look quite bright and airy with various arrangements of seating.
The connectivity of the east and west of the city in a single non-stop journey is quite a development for Belfast believe it or not, the East and West of the city traditionally being made up of different religious and political communities. It’s not only geographic connectivity that’s on offer, but digital too; the buses have with wifi connections and USB ports.
This G1 service has buses arriving at stops at 7 - 9 min intervals (4 - 6 mins at peek times) and the service operates from just after 5am to just after 11pm on weekdays. The other G2 route operates from the Titanic Quarter and then loops through the centre of town. In total there’s 24.5 KM of route coverage. They move quite swiftly through the traffic due to the dedicated bus lanes, which are in operation 7am - 7pm Mon to Sat. There are next stop announcements and a helpful route map displayed in the bus.
So what did it all cost, this fancy bus system. Well, £100 million of public funds. Is it worth it? Yeah, I think maybe it is, though I still feel slightly cheated that we haven’t got a tram network. After all, these are diesel hybrid vehicles, so although they’re reputed to be low pollution, they’re not fully electric. And don’t think because there’s no conductor that you can just bounce on without paying - inspectors got on while I was filming and checked everyone’s ticket.
This BRT, or Bus Rapid Transport system as it’s called, started in 2018 and there are already plans for extensions to the lines to the North and South of the city.
The Glider is great. I love it. I use it quite often.
Nice clean busses, on time, and value for money. However, the remainder of the Translink bus service has gone to the dogs. Buses are frequently cancelled (without prior warning). Left standing at bus stops at 9:00pm on a winters night is no joke. 😮
Yes I agree. Glider - good. Other Translink services - well below what’s required!
I was over in Belfast last December for a long weekend I used the glider every day it's a great service, heading back next month and I will certainly be using it again
It’s a great and well needed upgrade to Belfast’s transport system. Enjoy your trip - and make sure you check out the Crown Bar!
@nakedireland Going to friends down the Falls the itinerary is already sorted out 😂 thanks for the reply 👍
@@danbreen6946
Well, you enjoy Dan!
Looks fantastic! Clean, modern, great windows! The scenery was beautiful with the autumn colours. Well done Greg, you have done the old City proud. I particularly like the bus colour scheme. Looks like Cadbury chocolate wrappers! Snappy touch those wheel covers. Cheers and thanks for an excellent show!!
Thanks again Des, as always it’s great to hear your feedback.
No worries Greg! I really appreciate and enjoy watching. Listening to the commentary with your authentic Northern accent makes it all real.
It’s all real, that’s true. See you in the next video.
I’ve never used it but I will going to stormont for a dander , I am from the west of city I’ve never been to the east ….EVER , I really should 👍 again a lovely video
Enjoy your exotic trip to the far East 😂
Cool we had these in York in 2006 but they didn't last for some reason. We could definitely do with more transport infrastructure outside London. Leeds is the biggest City in Europe I believe with no rapid transit system.
Yeah, I think we can conclude that transport in the north of England isn’t a priority for the current government?
As a tourist,(like me) get the travel pass and sail through Belfast’s historic centre and famous locations from the Falls to Stormont via Titanic very enjoyable and easy by the Glider service.
Great advice Paul.
They are nice those busses, first time I have seen them with covered wheels. Reminded me of going on the bendy buses in York a few years ago.
They’re very attractive. Nice colour.
@@nakedireland Yes and good value. We have a scheme in England (for the moment) where all single journeys £2, on some trips you can save a lot.
that’s a pretty good deal!
@@nakedireland Yes, not much else Tories given us. Personally I don't save anything as it works out the same for the trips I make but if I went further afield I could save a lot.
Tories - too right! Go further and make use of the cheap fare!
We used to have similar in Dublin, we called them Bendy Buses. I don't know why they got rid of them, they were great for getting around the city centre. Did Belfast ever have trams? Seems like the kind of city that'd suit trams
Yes there was a trolly bus and then a tram system in Belfast in the early part of the 20th Century. Wish we still had it!
Glider is a good way to get around. All transport in Ireland is streets ahead of what we have in Scotland!
Hmmmm Aidan, I think Belfast still has a long way to go. The gilder is good, but that’s it!
@@nakedireland I took the train from Belfast to Portrush switching at Coleraine, super cheap and reliable. A return to Edinburgh from where I live (40 mins away) is away up at £14 and a lottery if you get one as they are always cancelled.
Well yeah I guess the cost is not bad but the railway system doesn’t go very many places! It’s small, therefore probably comparatively cheap.
@@nakedireland certainly! More videos planned over the festive period?
yeah Aidan, I’ll keep em coming. Next week I have a video of Matt Molloy’s famous pub in Westport - great place.