Rebuilding the Belfast Tram Network |

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  • čas přidán 12. 07. 2024
  • Today's video is the climax of Part One & Two, how can we finally reintegrate light rail to the streets of Belfast for the first time in almost 70 years.
    I do not know for certain whether this will be the last part in the series, but it will be the final consecutive part as I prepare to create more historical and campaign focused content.
    If you have enjoyed today's video or support our campaign, then please consider giving this video a like and subscribe whilst you're at it as it helps us further spread our message.
    You could one day be part of the reason Belfast's tram network is restored to its former glory.
    Our Twitter: FundTheNINE
    Our Instagram: fund_the_nine
    Our Facebook: people/Fund-The-NINE/100088717765301
    Intro 0:00
    Background 01:31
    Route Analysis 02:53
    Additional Considerations 11:43
    Why Are We Here? 12:48
    The Numbers 14:22
    Conclusion 20:49
    Outro 22:02
    _______________________________________________________________________
    DISCLAIMER: All media featured in our videos is produced in-house, or found readily available online. If you have any issues with the content in this video or want credited for an image or other piece of media, then please feel free to get in touch at fundthenine@gmail.com
    #GliderLightRail #LightRail #Glider #GliderBelfast #NorthernIreland #UnitedKingdom #NI #UK #NIRailways #NIR #Translink #Railfan #Trains #Railways #Travel #Infrastructure #Transport #GreenFuture #RebuildOurRailways #FundTheNINE #PublicTransport #Rail #Construction #Buses #Trams #Trolleybuses #Wrightbus #GreenPastures #Ballymena
  • Věda a technologie

Komentáře • 61

  • @ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains
    @ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains Před 9 měsíci +20

    The Luas Light Rail system in Dublin carries nearly as many passengers as the entire Irish Rail network and this includes the very busy DART system. People want trams and will use them. Light Rail is being planned for Cork which is smaller than Belfast. So GLR is no brainer.

    • @SdH76zhEU
      @SdH76zhEU Před 5 měsíci +1

      So in the republic of Ireland there would be a higher possibility that would happen then as past of Britain.😁 Allways astonished me how London has such a huge Metro-Network, Suburban Rails (Overg, Thamsl., Elisab.-Line), Trams in south and the whole extensive DLR in the east. Were other bigger british Citys have (At least again) 1,2 or 3 Tramlines at most. Ok theres Glasgow with the ancient Circle-Metro, Newcastle and Liverpools Mersey-Metro/Rail...Ofcourse, London is a lot bigger then the rest, but compared to german or french citys urban transport is really still rather poor in Britain!

  • @Theohopracy
    @Theohopracy Před 8 měsíci +6

    I'm very supportive of this, I'd so love to see Belfast Pedestrianised and the transit system upgraded

  • @VarissNI
    @VarissNI Před 9 měsíci +9

    Just a note, the North-South Glider plan was extended from the Park & Ride at Cairnshill, up to the near town of Carryduff. Would love to see your interpretation of how a “G3” route would be mapped, as well as a G2 extension. Great video!

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 9 měsíci

      I have some plans on perhaps continuing the series with that very concept.
      But first I have much bigger plans for the next few videos 😉

  • @AnthonyMcRedmond-Vg2ry
    @AnthonyMcRedmond-Vg2ry Před 9 měsíci +6

    Another fantastic video cant wait for Belfast to get light rail again im a Dubliner the luas trams now carry over 40+million passangers per year yet we had a lot of nimbys and whingers against the network saying it was a waste of money yet it came in on budget something never happens with other major progects here loved the video hope your great ideas become a reality

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 9 měsíci +4

      I appreciate the I put from a Dubliner!
      Light rail is always worth it, the biggest hurdle is breaking the fear of spending the time and money to construct the systems.
      The DFI desperately need to look at the success of the Department of Transport on your side of the border and invest properly in light, heavy and commuter rail.

    • @AtoZbyLocalBus
      @AtoZbyLocalBus Před 3 měsíci

      On my first trip on the Red Luas line, on the first day of operation. I heard someone say, that it should have been build as a guild bus way. But the first problem with that, is that buses don't encough people out of their cars in the same way as trams and trains do. The second problem is that in the years we have had snow in Dublin since the Luas started, bus were stopped early in the day, were as the Dart and Luas were able to still run. Some people like to talk as if they know what they are talking about, when they really don't know what they are talking about.

  • @mrsillywalk
    @mrsillywalk Před 9 měsíci +4

    I remember being on a tram in Castle Place. Trams need both overhead and ground infrastructure. The old Trolleybuses only needed overhead, and you got a free light show to go with it.

    • @anoniaino
      @anoniaino Před 8 měsíci

      If you think about it though, trolley buses need ground infrastructure, eg. roads, to work as well.

    • @mrsillywalk
      @mrsillywalk Před 8 měsíci

      @@anoniaino It take a fraction of a second to realise that Trolleybuses can and have used the same roods as lorries and cars do today.

    • @anoniaino
      @anoniaino Před 8 měsíci

      I know, but the road will need to be resurfaced at some stage, and if you want to separate the tram and traffic you won’t need a surface for cars either.

    • @mrsillywalk
      @mrsillywalk Před 8 měsíci

      @@anoniaino Trolleybuses are used on ordinary roads and do not have rails imbedded in the ground. They have rubber tyres like any lorry and receive their power from overhead. If you want to completely separate the two systems, then you would have to knock down large areas of a city.

    • @anoniaino
      @anoniaino Před 8 měsíci

      I’m not suggesting trolley buses are bad and we shouldn’t use them.
      There’s just more space available for public transport lines in our cities than you might think.

  • @DannyRice01
    @DannyRice01 Před 9 měsíci +2

    Great video. Would love a tram or five in Belfast. Would love a video on the proposed route for glider to Carryduff covering how the route would deal with the numerous pinch points along this route. If the G3 and the Ballynahinch bypass were ever built my daily commute would be approximately 30 minutes faster per day!! My only point about closing the westlink sliproads is that it would make access to the hospitals and access for delivery vehicles very difficult
    Also that Taxpayer accent was spot on and very unexpected ahaha.
    We also need an overhaul and rethink on the Belfast bikes. There's not enough setdown locations nor maintenance on the bikes themselves.

  • @michaelhayes6164
    @michaelhayes6164 Před 9 měsíci +2

    Great video!!! Very informative and shows a very positive vision for a new, vibrant Belfast as a key part of a broader rethinking of the city with pedestrianisation, covering over the Westlink (think Rose Kennedy park in Boston), maybe eventually uncovering the Farset River in High Street, future parks beside St Anne's, bridges in Sailortown, new stations and a Circle Line rail network, etc etc etc... hopefully those in power are watching.
    It would be great see how the GLR (or Luas Belfast) would be completed with the Glider line that heads west and the lines planned for north and south Belfast, with City Hall acting as a central hub to which the spokes converge. Also potential lines that reuse former rail lines, ie the Comber greenway (sorry walkers and cyclists, but needs must!!).

  • @tannerl3363
    @tannerl3363 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Awesome video!

  • @eiredan03
    @eiredan03 Před 9 měsíci +2

    Great stuff Nine, Really well made, good use of the AI imagery.

  • @anoniaino
    @anoniaino Před 9 měsíci +1

    Great video as always.
    I wholeheartedly agree with this proposal, and I especially like the idea of removing urban motorways.
    Trams are what cities need.

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 9 měsíci +1

      Thank you Anoniaino, ther truth is that most people would be overjoyed to see trams make a return to Belfast's streets.
      We just seem to have the only government in the world that doesn't like the idea of spending money, at least not on public transport infrastructure projects.
      *cough* York Street Interchange *cough*

  • @fjkelley4774
    @fjkelley4774 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Excellent video. Let's hope someone at DFI pays attention. Their apparent veneration of Robert Moses suggests they will do their best to remain in the 20th Century. Unfortunately for everyone.
    Have followed several of "FundTheNINE's" vids and enjoyed all.
    Those interested in assorted transit topics will find several on CZcams, two of my favorites are Reese Martin at "RM Transit" and Jago Hazzard.

  • @andrewwoodgate3769
    @andrewwoodgate3769 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Excellent video

  • @RunawayTrain2502
    @RunawayTrain2502 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Belfast isn't the only city in the UK with these kind of issues, others include Leeds, Hull & Bristol.

    • @belgianbill1951
      @belgianbill1951 Před 2 měsíci

      Rishi says Leeds is getting a tram using saved HS2 money. believe it when I see it!

  • @MrOrchin33
    @MrOrchin33 Před měsícem +1

    Free travel for everyone would take a lot of cars off the road. Cut down congestion ,pollution & health issues..

  • @michaelinlondon
    @michaelinlondon Před 8 měsíci +1

    Hi there. Even though I subscribed and clicked the bell icon, CZcams failed to notify me of this upload. (Just so you know)

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Thanks for letting us know Michael.
      Unfortunately there isn't much of a way to report such a bug from my end, but you could try turning off the notifications and back on again, that could fix any glitch on CZcamss's end 👍🏻

  • @christophermillar8858
    @christophermillar8858 Před 6 měsíci +1

    You should do a video on the westlink and the project that to make it move more freely and the m2 york Street interchange

  • @benlewis4241
    @benlewis4241 Před 3 měsíci

    Brilliant video! It stands great on its own though- I think I'd get more traction if you'd named the other two history of Belfast transport and just linked them as a card in this video.
    Why not build the light rail to Irish gauge and give it space for a mainline connection so it can have later tram-train connections or access maintenance facilities?

  • @frcdanoob9537
    @frcdanoob9537 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Glider train/tram? this is interesting

  • @thomasclarke2880
    @thomasclarke2880 Před 6 dny

    Slightly insane.

  • @micosstar
    @micosstar Před 8 měsíci +1

    noice (came from yt recommend)

  • @fenlinescouser4105
    @fenlinescouser4105 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Have you considered the novel cost cutting tram technologies being developed for the nascent Coventry Very Light Rail system at BCIMO in Dudley, West Midlands? The low-cost track system might be particularly appropriate.

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 8 měsíci

      Yes I have considered VLR for a long time.
      THe issue with VLR is that I do not think it would have the capacity to cope with a passenger volume like that of Belfast's, in particular the G2 route.
      VLR tends to run small, compact cars that have a capacity of say some 50~ people. At peak times especially, such a small capacity system would not be able to cope and would present a risk of a 'crush' at halts.
      Unless a VLR system is capable of running long, walkthrough trams, it wouldn't be a viable option for my kind of scope and scale.

  • @robertbannocks6750
    @robertbannocks6750 Před měsícem

    Busses and trams can share a lane as happens in many European cities

  • @scatscatmilestails6007
    @scatscatmilestails6007 Před 8 měsíci

    The only things I've ever thought about to make Belfast get more attraction was building an underground railway system, making the buildings taller and look like they're from New York & refurbishing the obel tower to look like the old WTC and giving it 28 more floors.

  • @billtuckwell1399
    @billtuckwell1399 Před 2 měsíci

    Light rail would offer Belfast a new different way of travel. If designed correctly in the narrow streets that Belfast has, Metre gauge electric traction would offer this. Metre gauge also offers various types of tram as seen in city's like in Poland and Germany. Trams can offer a excellent passenger transportation in pedestrian precints taking passengers direct to the shops where they wish to go. Do not make the mistakes, that have been made elsewhere, where trams were not taken into these important pedestrian areas. This has caused many schemes to be stopped, and is really the best way forward. Remember traffic conditions have been correctly solved elsewhere, look again in Poland and Germany. I have advised elsewhere with my knowledge of the problems seen and can be easily achieved. A real map of the proposals would have been helpful. You mention using trams on bridges, please be aware that the bridge must be strong enough to carry the weight of light tram. Some proposals in city's have now allowed for this problem. I look forward to following the development you are proposing.

  • @mastertrams
    @mastertrams Před 9 měsíci +1

    Do I remember hearing that you'd managed to lay your hands on the NINE proposal? Might it be an idea for a video to go over those proposals and compare how well they match to what you are today proposing?

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 9 měsíci

      Yes you would be correct, I have every intention of doing that ASAP.

  • @johnmccourt000
    @johnmccourt000 Před 2 měsíci

    I go running near catalyst/amazon to heron road. It’s a train to nowhere. Nobody lives there and the offices aren’t busy enough to justify a tram. The other problem with trams is that they can’t be re-routed. Northern Ireland is so unstable that buses regularly need to be diverted. How do you do that with a tram?

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 2 měsíci

      Buses need to be rerouted due to collisions and road works, tramways don't have those issues as cars don't run on them ( or at least, they shouldn't).
      Citing 'demand' at a single halt as a reason why it shouldn't be considered is also a major misconception, but since we're talking demand, a direct connection between Grand Central Station and one of Northern Ireland's biggest tourist attractions is more than enough of this so-called 'demand' that everybody thinks is so important.
      In reality, induced-demand would be the byproduct of such a service, and would likely lead to the rapid justification of its existence.

  • @seanfish17
    @seanfish17 Před 2 měsíci

    I don’t understand why you want to keep the “loop-like” route near city centre. G2 runs in the current loop configuration only because it’s a bus and because of the one way system near Donegall Square. If the whole square is being pedestrianised the light rail can just run two-way on the north side of the square. The same applies to the river crossing, the light rail can just run two-way along QE Bridge and then along the bank.

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 2 měsíci +1

      SImply-put, keeping the 'loop' would help drive home the pedestrianisation of the area whilst reducing the need for a reversal of service and allowing for and easily expanded network towards Queen's University.

  • @AMPProf
    @AMPProf Před 7 měsíci

    Oooo ok

  • @davidlally592
    @davidlally592 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Mmm..IMO placing the trams in and replacing the 2 inner road lanes is a feasible one (as per many continental cities eg Amsterdam). Also an inner Belfast congestion charge (as in London). We have to get by carrot and stick, people out of their selfish polluting cars in inner cities.

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 8 měsíci

      A congestion charge is long overdue in Belfast, it is arguable one of the reasons why the city is so congested in the firstplace.

    • @iknowyoureright8564
      @iknowyoureright8564 Před 8 měsíci +1

      I think the “car is the devil” approach is a very selfish one in and of itself.
      While public transport is of course a much better option for big cities, there is always a place for cars, they revolutionised the planet and society more than anything else could have over 100 years. Or the internal combustion engine vehicle did at very leas. let’s not forget that the electricity used to power the trams will partly be produced by fossil fuels, as well as the production of the trams and the rails and the work to fit the network. Those who work on the trams, drivers, shutters, cleaners etc etc need to be in place before the trams leave in the morning so need their own transport. Also ALL of this idea/documentary is focused on a small line from east to the city centre…..a distance that could be walked. What about the north? West? Newtownabbey? and further? This idea of “less cars is good at all costs” is not a good idea unless every single hiccup, speed bump, hurdle and ending figure has been calculated, and then all the carbon emissions for he production of a tram network abs then an accurate yearly emissions for the running of it compared to vehicles, most of which under 100gm/km of co2.
      This isn’t as easy as cars gone, problem fixed? Not even slightly!
      Another problem we have is, while the money saving figures documented here sound good, well roadside recovery is not something most people have, insurance is variable, fuel usage is variable but more than that, if someone lives in say, knockngoney….are they to walk the first mile or 2 or 3 to the tram stop in -5°c temperatures at 5am on Icy paths during a bad winter and the same back again? Are they really going to do that if they have a car at their door for a comparative difference of about £3 per day given the figures quoted here? I don’t think so. And the well we’ll just make it illegal to drive here, here and here approach, well this isn’t a tyranny, it’s a system of governance of a group of people, if the majority don’t want it,
      It won’t happen, for politicians won’t want to get voted out on a manifesto the people will refuse to support.
      I say, yes, go ahead with all the proposed improvements to rail,
      Bus abs roads and even light rail if the funding is there, but do it as a stand alone venture to make life easier (in some instances) for the population, not as a weapon to say, “when trans are in, you and your evil cars are out” that is an approach that will not serve anyone well.
      Just remember the car is your friend,
      If you or a family member needed to get to hospital at short notice and no ambulance is available as a small example. And everything you are around you, buildings, roads, electricity, lights, food ok the shelves every time you enter a shop, it’s ALL dependant on the internal combustion engine. And until a reliable (at least If not more reliable than what we have now) is invented and tested to work then we should not demonise what serves us.

  • @nirailwaystrainspooterbelf3134

    When gvs is closed and all nir traffic is moved to lanyon / central the glider will get more passengers as people will need a way into the city

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 9 měsíci

      Yes but that will only be apparent for about 6 months until Grand Central Station opens.

    • @nirailwaystrainspooterbelf3134
      @nirailwaystrainspooterbelf3134 Před 9 měsíci

      @@fundthenine yes and nir glider and metro can have a good affect on casment park if there's an ulster final or euros match glider and metro can help deal with traffic on andytown Road

  • @thenoob883
    @thenoob883 Před 2 měsíci

    Trams

  • @bpfromowc
    @bpfromowc Před 4 měsíci

    Translink are a disgrace, and the bus service is a joke. In the evening time the busses are frequently cancelled (without any notification). 😒

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 4 měsíci

      Buses being cancelled are a result of congestion and not Translink's fault.
      The solution to poor public transport is more investment and less car usage.

    • @bpfromowc
      @bpfromowc Před 4 měsíci +1

      @@fundthenine that's total nonsense, there's no congestion at 7.30 in the evening.

  • @aaroncampbell4395
    @aaroncampbell4395 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Would prefer to see the York street interchange done first.

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Unfortunately, the YSI is a slapdash 'solution' to an artificial problem.
      Demolishing even more of Belfast for a giant American style motorway interchange will do little to quell traffic, whereas offering genuine alternatives on the daily commute will make a massive difference.

  • @hayleys1260
    @hayleys1260 Před 8 měsíci

    Take it from a former Toronto girl, where street cars have been kept throughout the city's history, they are not wonderful. Traffic is still an absolute nightmare (even when combined with a subway system) because anyone who can afford to drive still will, and as for the trams themselves, they usually freeze in winter and stink of sweat in summer, and the tracks are murder for cyclists, sometimes literally.

    • @fundthenine
      @fundthenine  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Creating new light rail in Belfast would give us the opportunity to learn from the failings of others throughout the world.
      The trams in Dublin are nothing close to what you speak of in Toronto, Belfast is an entirely different place with a much different culture.