Rapid tranist network can transform Belfast - Kennedy

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy today launched the public consultation on the route options for the new Belfast Rapid Transit pilot network.
~ Wednesday, 12 October 2011

This bus-based rapid transit network proposal aims to significantly enhance accessibility by public transport to the preferred routes and Belfast city centre.

Launching the consultation in Belfast City Hall the Minister said: “Belfast, like all strong, vibrant cities, needs a modern and efficient transport system.

“Belfast Rapid Transit will help to transform that transport system, providing quick and efficient access into and across the city and helping to regenerate and open up new development opportunities along its routes. It will play a key role in supporting local economies, linking businesses with markets and linking communities and people with jobs.”

Danny Kennedy continued: “We all depend on Belfast’s transport network to get to work, access healthcare and education, to go shopping, and for visiting the city generally. How we develop that transport network is a critical part of the city’s future.”

Reflecting on his recent visit to see the benefit s of the bus-based rapid operating in Nantes, France, the Minister added: “The Nantes rapid transit system is widely regarded as the best in Europe and I saw for myself how a city of comparable size to Belfast can significantly increase the use of public transport and reduce the reliance on the private car.”

Commenting on his commitment to reducing dependence on the private car, the Minister added: “We need a transportation system that can accommodate the future demands of Belfast, both its people and businesses. We need to reprioritise how we travel and change our travel behaviour to encourage a shift away from the private car and towards public transport. By working together we can make public transport, into, within and across Belfast, safer, cleaner and more attractive for everyone.”

Inviting comment on the proposals Danny Kennedy concluded: “I encourage everyone who has an interest in the city of Belfast, to examine the proposals and have their say on how they can be developed.” The consultation document sets out the following emerging preferred route options for the pilot Belfast Rapid Transit network:

• CITI Route – From the River Lagan, Belfast Rapid Transit will run on Queen Elizabeth Bridge, Queen’s Quay and Queen’s Road into Titanic Quarter; returning via Station Street, Bridge End and Queen’s Bridge to join the one-way city centre loop.

• EWAY Route – From a new park and ride site near Quarry Corner, Belfast Rapid Transit will run on-street along Upper Newtownards Road, through Dundonald Village to Holywood Arches and via Albertbridge Road and East Bridge Street through to join the one-way city centre loop.

• WWAY Route – From a new park and ride site at McKinstry Road roundabout and/or Dairy Farm, Belfast Rapid Transit will run on-street along Stewartstown Road, Andersonstown Road, Falls Road and via Grosvenor Road to join the one-way city centre loop.

• City Centre – A one-way on-street loop from Queen’s Bridge, along Oxford Street, May Street, Howard Street, Fisherwick Place, College Square East, Wellington Place, Chichester Street, Victoria Street, Custom House Square and Oxford Street to the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. This route is facilitated by the Department’s Belfast on the Move Transport Masterplan.

As part of the options assessment process the Department will also consider the following ‘next best’ options:

• EWAY – From Holywood Arches, via the Newtownards Road (lower section) and Bridge End to join the one-way city centre loop.

• WWAY – From the Royal Victoria Hospital, via Falls Road and Divis Street to join the one-way city centre loop.

Emphasising the importance of developing sustainable transport systems for Belfast, Lord Mayor of Belfast Niall O Donnghaile said: “I welcome the launch of the public consultation on the route options for the Belfast Rapid Transit project. This represents a significant step toward the development of a modern, safe, accessible and integrated transportation system to enhance the connectivity for Belfast.”

The public consultation on the proposals will close on 6 January 2012. Further details are available by phoning 028 9054 0273 or clicking onto www.drdni.gov.uk/index/rapid-transit.htm

The public are invited to view the proposals at exhibitions to be held as follows:

Andersonstown Leisure Centre Thursday 13 October, 1pm-8pm; Andersonstown Leisure Centre Friday 14 October, 9am-6pm; Kennedy Centre Saturday 15 October, 9am-5pm; Ballyhackamore Library Wednesday 19 October, 1pm-5:30pm; Ballyhackamore Library Thursday 20 October, 1:30pm-8pm; Connswater Shopping Centre Saturday 22 October, 9am-5pm; Belfast City Hall Monday 24 to Friday 28 October, 9am-5pm.

Following the exhibition in Belfast City Hall, the proposals will be available to view in Clarence Court, Adelaide Street until the end of the consultation period on 6 January 2012. The proposals will also be on display in the Offices of the East Belfast and West Belfast Partnership Boards from Monday 24 October to Friday 6 January 2012.

1. The need for Belfast Rapid Transit has been established by the Department’s Regional Transportation Strategy; Regional Development Strategy; and Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan which place an emphasis on the need to create a modal shift away from private vehicle dependency in a bid to reduce congestion levels and carbon emissions and improve the environment.
2. In 2007 the Department commissioned transport consultants to undertake a feasibility study looking at possible routes and technologies for rapid transit in Belfast. The consultants produced a Strategic Outline Case, issued by the Department in April 2008, which confirmed that a bus based rapid transit system is viable for Belfast. In addition the Strategic Outline Case identified a pilot network of three routes connecting East Belfast, West Belfast and Titanic Quarter with and through the city centre.
3. In November 2008 the Executive endorsed the design and construction of a pilot bus-based rapid transit network in Belfast. The Minister at the time subsequently launched the proposals at the Bus Rapid Transit UK conference in Belfast on 1 December 2008.
4. The proposals for Belfast Rapid Transit in the city centre are contained within the Department’s Belfast on the Move Transport Masterplan and in particular the Sustainable Transport Enabling Measures.
5. The Department for Regional Development is currently preparing a detailed Outline Business Case for Belfast Rapid Transit which will identify the preferred options in terms of network routes, procurement strategy, commercial/business model and fare system. It is anticipated that the Outline Business Case will be completed in April/May 2012. Subject to the necessary approvals the Belfast Rapid Transit project will then move to the detailed design and implementation stages.
6. The introduction of Belfast Rapid Transit will significantly enhance accessibility by public transport to the preferred routes and the city centre. The priority measures, necessary to ensure reliable journey times, will require some localised road widening, relocation or possible removal of some on-street parking, modifications to junctions and co-ordination of traffic signals. There will be a reduction in the capacity for private cars along these routes. However this will be off-set by the provision of park and ride facilities and improved public transport services provided by Belfast Rapid Transit.Parts of the preferred routes already provide some dedicated bus priority (on the Quality Bus Metro corridors).   Detailed consideration will be given to the integration of existing bus services, and taxi operations, as well as the optimal location for par  and ride sites.
7. Belfast Rapid Transit will use low floor, multi-door vehicles with the latest engine technologies – resulting in lower noise, lower emissions and lower vibration. The system will incorporate high quality accessible halts with real time information and a ticketing system that will enable quick and easy boarding of vehicles.
8. Media queries to Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 90 540 817. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.