The unique transit solution has been described as a bus that operates like a tram, and a tram without tracks.
A route connecting Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the city’s two football grounds, Bramley Moore Dock Stadium and Anfield, will enter service in 2028. Further links will then be introduced on a staggered basis.
The new service will use 18metre, articulated vehicles known as ‘gliders’, capable of carrying 30% more passengers than a standard double decker bus. They also produced significantly less emissions, while three sets of double doors improve access, expediting boarding and alighting, reducing time spent at stops idling.
A ceremony outside Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium as held on Monday 19th August, with a vehicle on loan from Translink in Northern Ireland, which currently operates a 34-strong Glider fleet. Since entering service in Belfast in 2018, it’s estimated the technology has cut around 2.5million car journeys, and reduced journey times by 25%. Bus rapid transit is also in use in many cities outside the UK, including Porto, Brisbane, Toronto, Barcelona, and Los Angeles.
‘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,’ said Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region. ‘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,’ he continued. ‘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.’
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