Agenda and minutes

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 3rd December, it had agreed that representatives of the Department for Regional Development be invited to attend a future meeting in order to provide an update on the Belfast Rapid Transit System.

            Accordingly, Mr. C. de Búrca and Mr. R. Totten from the Department’s Transport Projects Division were welcomed to the meeting.

            Mr. Totten informed the Members that a rapid transit system had long been recognised as being a key element in enhancing public transport provision in the City.  He explained that, in 2008, the Department for Regional Development had published a Strategic Outline Case, which had been based upon a feasibility study around potential routes and technologies for rapid transport in Belfast.  That had confirmed that a bus?based rapid transit system, as opposed to light rail, would be the preferred option for the City and would provide a modern, safe, efficient and high quality public transport service, whilst supporting sustainable economic growth and regeneration.

            He reported that, in 2012, an Outline Business Case had been published, which had set out the preferred option for the Rapid Transit System in terms of the network routes, procurement strategy, commercial/business model and outline design.  That had led the Minister for Regional Development to recommend that the system be progressed, that the majority of the design and infrastructure works be undertaken through his Department and that the contract to operate it be awarded to Translink.  Those recommendations had been endorsed subsequently by the Northern Ireland Executive.  

            Mr. Totten informed the Committee that the Department for Regional Development was finalising plans for the first phase of the Rapid Transit System, which would connect East Belfast, West Belfast and the Titanic Quarter via the City Centre and would replace the majority of Metro services in those areas.  The cost of that phase, which was due for completion in 2017, would be approximately £98.5 million and would involve around fifteen infrastructure projects. 

            He explained that the system would operate from approximately 6.00 a.m. till 11.30 p.m. during the week, finishing later at weekends, and that bus lanes, which could be used also by cyclists, would be provided along all of those routes. Thirty-five modern, high capacity vehicles, with advanced engine technology and information systems, would be purchased through a procurement process, at a total cost of £20 million. Smartcard and other technologies would expedite the payment process on vehicles and the purchasing of tickets in advance of boarding would be integrated with other public transport services.  Halts and interchanges would provide passengers with real time information and security would be enhanced through the use of closed-circuit television.  He concluded by stating that it was envisaged that the Rapid Transit System would lead to an overall reduction in public transport journey times of between 25% and 30% and that the Minister for Regional Development had undertaken to examine the feasibility of extending the initiative to the North and South of the City, following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.