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Belfast commuters will be hoping on state-of-the-art buses that will transport them across the city faster than ever before within a year, transport chiefs have vowed.

Public Information events are set to be rolled out in the coming weeks outlining plans for the Belfast Rapid Transit system which the Department of Infrastructure says will start in September next year.

The city will not be getting Luas style trams, but modern buses allowed to drive through traffic lights ahead of motorists.

A range of features are to be outlined to the public, during the information events including:

* Direct cross-city services between East and West Belfast;

* Feeder services connecting to residential areas in the Dundonald & Colin Areas;

* Modern high capacity buses with easy access;

* Advanced ticketing and ‘real-time’ information systems;

* Hybrid engine technology producing less noise and emissions;

* Cycle parking at key locations.

The first phase of the Belfast Rapid Transit system is to ‘connect’ East Belfast , West Belfast and Titanic Quarter via the city centre and is “on target to come into operation in September 2018”.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said the BRT will “deliver high quality public transport services”.

He added: “It will improve access to jobs, hospitals, shops, schools, colleges and places of entertainment in Belfast and integrate communities.

“BRT will benefit the large number of people who use public transport and offer an attractive alternative to travel by private car. In developing the detailed designs for the BRT system, the Department has sought to balance the needs of all those using the route and we will continue to work with the many stakeholders to the BRT project to ensure that we deliver the best possible outcome for the people of Belfast.

“Increasing the use of public transport and active travel is a fundamental element of the Programme for Government.”

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson today used his Facebook page to tell constituents that there will be public information events at the terminal building at Dundonald Park and Ride on Thursday September 22 and at Dundonald Library on Friday September 23.

He told Belfast Live there will be some “upheaval” during the implementation of the Belfast Rapid Transit scheme , but added that “I do think these upcoming events will be very useful for those living in the community it will hopefully benefit”.

He said: “The Public Information events taking place next week will give residents a sense of what the scheme will look like and how it will improve travel from Dundonald to Belfast. I would encourage residents from the area to attend the information events, in which everyone will have an opportunity to view the proposals and raise any questions with those from the BRT project team.”