News Release Page Title

16 JANUARY 2007

RAPID TRANSIT STUDY FOR BELFAST

Regional Development Minister, David Cairns, announced Atkins will undertake economic feasibility studies on rapid transit proposals for Belfast.

The studies will prepare public transport appraisals to assess the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP) proposals for the EWAY rapid transit scheme which would run between Dundonald and Belfast city centre and a CITI (City Airport Titanic Quarter Route) rapid transit service. It would link the city centre with the Titanic Quarter development, George Best Belfast City Airport and new retail development in the Belfast Harbour Estate.

David Cairns said: "Rapid transit was identified in the Department's strategic thinking as a major element of the delivery of a step change in the quality of public transport within the Belfast Metropolitan area.

"While bus based rapid transit was previously assessed at the time of the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan in 2004 as the most cost effective and operationally flexible, I am conscious that the situation has not remained static and that it is prudent that the studies examine other rapid transit options including light rail.

"These studies will result in a business case that will identify the optimal routes and technology. They will cost the proposals, identify their benefits, and indicate likely sources of funding. If the outcome is positive it will provide a sound basis to take forward these schemes. Any public sector funding requirements will be assessed in the normal budgetary processes.

"Such schemes are expensive and it is important that they are fully and properly studied before decisions are taken."

It is envisaged that WS Atkins will present a report of its findings to the Department around mid 2007.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) and the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP) recognised the value of introducing rapid transit services in Belfast.

  2. The BMTP published in 2004 stated that the pilot stage of a rapid transit network could be implemented (subject to economic appraisal, budgetary processes and the completion of statutory processes) within the 2015 Plan period. It confirmed EWAY as the preferred option which would serve the Newtownards corridor and its success would dictate the extent if any of further development of the rapid transit network.

  3. The BMTP identified 3 other possible routes which it proposed to plan in detail for implementation after the 2015 Plan period. They are:

    • WWAY (West Way as a rapid transit route from Belfast city centre into West Belfast;
    • CITI Route (City Airport Titanic Quarter route) as a new route linking Belfast city centre and George Best Belfast City airport through the Titanic Quarter and the new retail development in the Belfast Harbour Estate; and
    • Super Route - in the Downpatrick corridor.

  4. While EWAY remains the preferred choice for a pilot scheme it was considered prudent to also include CITI for further study given the regeneration and development of the Titanic Quarter and the potential demand for public transport and the opportunity to fully integrate transport planning with the proposed development on the site.

  5. As with all major projects, in relation to pubic expenditure funding, it will be determined through the normal budgetary process which will take account of the needs of other Departments and decisions on priorities.

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