Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is exhibiting an on-loan Van Hool Exqui.City articulated bus to demonstrate what might be expected on the rapid transport network it has promised by 2028.
The 18m-long vehicle, which is on loan from Translink in in Northern Ireland, was unveiled to the public by Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram outside Anfield Stadium this morning.
Liverpool FC’s arena, together with Everton’s new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium and John Lennon Airport, will be linked to the city centre by the bus rapid transit (BRT) network, the mayor has said.
The combined authority, which is due to franchise its bus services by 2027, says similar “high-quality express” services could also serve other parts of the region not currently on the rail network.
The Exqui.City, which is one of 34 “Gliders” used by Translink for its successful rapid transit system, has been given a Metro branding make-over and will appear at other public locations across the region.
The vehicle can accommodate around 30% more passengers than a typical bus and the fleet in Northern Ireland has been credited with replacing 2.5 million car trips in Belfast since it was launched in 2018.
Belfast’s Gliders use three sets of double doors, while boarding is further accelerated by tap-on technology at the bus “halts”. Bus stop consolidation and bus priority was also addressed when the network was designed.
Mr Rotherham says: “The Liverpool City Region is a well-established – and growing – magnet for visitors from around the world with our unique mix of music, culture, hospitality and sport.
“Millions of people pass through John Lennon Airport, many of them on their way to Anfield and, in future, to Bramley Moore. But one of the things people always tell me is that they need better links to these important places.
“As part of my plans to build a London-style transport system, that is something I am committed to addressing.
“I was just re-elected on a promise to look at delivering a ‘glider’ style rapid link that will make getting to the airport and the football much faster, more efficient and, above all, a more pleasant travelling experience.
“This is the first time the glider will be seen on our streets – but I’ll make sure they’re up and running serving passengers in time for the Euros in 2028.
“This is not the end of the story either. I remain committed to building the world-class transport system our region deserves. Having a glider doesn’t mean that we won’t one day see a tram or rail station at the airport, but is an outstanding solution that will make an immediate difference to getting people around.”
