The first of the new vehicles to be used on the Belfast Rapid Transit Glider vehicles has arrived in Belfast and has gone on public display for the next two days in Custom House Square in Belfast City Centre.
The Glider vehicles provide a high quality environment for passengers in terms of space, accessibility, security and on-board information. They provide easy boarding for people with reduced mobility and parents with pushchairs as well as a mix of standing and seating areas with good legroom. They have three sets of double doors and good circulation room to enable rapid boarding and alighting, minimising the time spent at halts and therefore reducing journey times. Vehicles also include free WiFi and USB charging points.
Imtac members were involved in the design of the vehicles to ensure accessibility was key priority. Key features include separate spaces provided on board for wheelchair users and passengers travelling with a buggy or pram, dedicated priority seats for disabled people, audio and visual passenger information system and flexible seating arrangements suitable for a range of passengers including people travelling with an assistance dog.
Imtac welcomes the arrival of the first vehicles and continues to work with the Department for Infrastructure around the development of the Glider service to ensure it is inclusive and accessible to all. The service is due to start in September 2018.