Rapid transit system could expand

The rapid transit system in Belfast will be bus based

Plans for a rapid transport system in Belfast could be extended across the city, Roads Minister Conor Murphy has said.

The £150m project will use buses to link the east, west and the Titanic Quarter, with work to start in three years.

Mr Murphy said it would play a major part in improving the infrastructure of public transport.

"It's not just about taking people into the city centre," he said.

"It's about taking people from east Belfast to the Royal Hospital, it's about taking people from Ballymurphy down to the Titanic Quarter where they can access jobs, education and leisure opportunities."

He said the schemes were pilots and that quickly afterwards they would look at projects for north and south Belfast.

The rapid transit system is expected to carry 5.5m passengers a year, with a bus arriving every five minutes during rush hour periods.

The proposed route of the rapid transit systemt for Belfast, courtesy Department for Regional Development