MLA wants rapid transit system for North Belfast

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said that a rapid transit system that will see a dramatic improvement in traffic flow across the city must be extended to North Belfast.
Ní Chuilín is set to have a meeting with the director of the Belfast Rapid Transit Project Ciaran de Búrca later this month to ask that the scheme, which is planned for west, south and east Belfast also be rolled out in North Belfast.
Last year Sinn Féin minister for regional development Conor Murphy announced the three pilot routes for the scheme, which will include rapid transit buses and light rail.
However, the local MLA said that with the announcement that the University of Ulster is to move the majority of its classes to just north of the city centre and the growth in local tourism that North Belfast should be included in the scheme.
“The Rapid Transit Project will provide the city with a fast reliable and modern public transport service,” said Ní Chuilín.
“I am meeting with the project director Ciarán de Búrca asking to discuss extending the scheme to the north of the city.
“I believe there are three possible routes in North Belfast for a light rail scheme.
“The Shore and Antrim roads are obvious links between North Belfast and the city centre and have access to sea ports, the city airport and the motorway.
“The proposal to relocate much of the University of Ulster’s Jordanstown campus to the Cathedral Quarter and York St area will also require enhanced modern transport links to facilitate this massive regeneration project.
“The Crumlin Road is another route with huge potential. Belfast is only beginning to open up the tourist potential of the Crumlin Road Gaol site and courthouse and the flagship development of the Girdwood site should ensure the volume of passengers needed to make this route viable.”
Ní Chuilín said extending the project to include North Belfast was a necessary investment in the area’s future.
“The University of Ulster’s decision to relocate to the north side of the city centre is a huge vote of confidence in the people of this area.
“It’s vital that infrastructure projects beginning in the near future create sustainable jobs which will help communities through the current economic downturn.
“However, it is just as important that projects which have been well-thought out also provide us with a platform to regenerate North Belfast in the future.”