Mr Murphy said: ‘’Transportation experts have concluded that the most appropriate system for the city is a modern and high class bus based system.
“Rapid transit is an exciting prospect for Belfast and I have recently visited the Netherlands and have seen examples of what could be possible here.
“It is however, important to share the findings and recommendations of the studies with those who can assist me in reaching a final decision on what is the best system for Belfast. I therefore want to hear the views from a range of key interests taking into account all the facts of the studies, including the likely number of passengers and costs and therefore intend to engage with members of the Regional Development Committee and subsequently with other parties whose contribution will be important and vital.
“Many people may not know precisely what is meant by rapid transit but it is something new that we have never had before in terms of public transport. I envisage it as a service offering improved speed, reliability, comfort and access features over conventional public transport. It is a service that should be segregated from other traffic as much as possible with new vehicle designs that enhance the journey and reflect Belfast as a 21st century city.
“This is our opportunity to create a new dynamic transportation system for the city, one that helps link people to jobs, hospitals, schools and colleges. One that links communities to the city centre and the emerging opportunities in Titanic Quarter. A system that can be expanded to other parts of the city in due course, a system that attracts drivers out of their cars as they see the advantages of rapid transit.
“The Programme for Government highlights rapid transit as a key priority with a commitment to start work on the first scheme by 2011. I have secured £111million for rapid transit and continue to explore opportunities to draw in additional private sector finance.”
Three pilot routes have been considered in the studies: one running from Dundonald in the East to the city centre; one serving the development in Titanic Quarter and onwards to Queen’s University and the City Hospital; and one into the West from the city centre to the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) and beyond into West Belfast.
An illustration of the estimated costs and potential patronage is:
| Bus Rapid Transit | Capital costs (£m) | Annual Operating costs (£m) | Passengers Morning peak hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Belfast scheme | £106 | £0.670 | 1292 |
| West Belfast scheme | £35 | £0.410 | 608 |
| Titanic scheme | £6 | £0.360 | 1279 |
| Total | £147 | £1.44 | 3179 |
| Light Rail | Capital costs (£m) | Annual Operating costs (£m) | Passengers Morning peak hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Belfast scheme | £282 | £3.650 | 1633 |
| West Belfast scheme | £217 | £1.860 | 708 |
| Titanic scheme | £91 | £1.270 | 1464 |
| Total | £590 | £6.78 | 3805 |
Notes to Editors:
- DRD commissioned Atkins & KPMG to undertake a feasibility study on rapid transit for Belfast considering technology (bus or light rail), possible routes and their associated costs and the scope for drawing in developer contributions. The routes included serving the Newtownards corridor at Dundonald using part of a disused railway line to the city centre, the development in Titanic Quarter through the city centre to Queens University Belfast and the City Hospital and from the city centre to the RVH and beyond into west Belfast.
- The type of rapid transit system will be influenced by potential demand and affordability. The study found that bus based rapid transit produces positive economic results but light rail does not. This is because the likely numbers of passengers do not warrant the extra cost of light rail. There will be the option of migrating to light rail in the future should the demand increase.
- Affordability is assessed on the capital cost, the degree to which operating costs are covered by revenue and any subsidy requirement and the benefits delivered by the system. Sustainability and value for money will be vital factors.
- Any rapid transit scheme must integrate with existing public transport.
- Under the Investment Strategy £111million has been secured to fund the provision of rapid transit.
- The Department is continuing to explore the drawing in of developer contributions from those that would benefit from rapid transit.
- Based on experience elsewhere there is a suggestion that the Department be responsible for building the infrastructure and contract out the operation of the rapid transit service.
- Following consideration of the feasibility studies outcome by interested parties the Minister and Executive colleagues will reach a final decision. That will allow the project to advance to a detailed design and implementation stage.
- Media queries to: Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0887. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
