Northern Ireland Belfast public transport use increases 20% on Glider routes since launch Close 1/1 Figures show that around 33,000 more passengers are now making Glider their first choice for travel every week. Gallery 1 Figures show that around 33,000 more passengers are now making Glider their first choice for travel every week.

There has been a 20% increase in people using public transport on BRT (Belfast Rapid Transit) Glider routes since the launch of the new service.

Translink has reported an increase of around 33,000 passenger journeys per week on Glider routes, since the September launch.

The £90m project has proved popular after debuting to a mixed response.

There were concerns that additional bus lanes installed for the system would add to Belfast's large traffic congestion problem.

The information came to light at a meeting of Belfast City Council on Wednesday.

Council members were updated on programmed works on the road network by the Department for Infrastructure.

There are currently proposed plans to extend the BRT network to north and south Belfast, together with a link to Queen's University and the City Hospital.

Council members were also updated on the proposed pedestrian and cycling bridge at the Gasworks across the River Lagan.

Both projects are included in the Belfast Region City Deal Bid.

In the remaining financial year Belfast City Council will see the completion of works on new bus lanes on the M1 and M2, with the provision of an additional 4.6 kilometres of bus lane on the M1 and 2.2 kilometres of bus lane on the M2, along with an upgrade to the signs and cameras on the existing bus lanes.

The Department will also be completing a significant programme of Traffic Management resurfacing schemes across the Belfast City Council area, including Belmont Road from Tweskard Lodge to Knockdarragh Park, Station Road, College Green and Rosebank Street.

Work has already been completed on a number of projects this year including resurfacing schemes at Downshire Parade, Donegall Road from Falls Road to Broadway, Stranmillis Road, Credenhill Park and Waterloo Park North and South.

Belfast Telegraph