First look at new rapid ‘glider’ set to hit region’s streets

Liverpool City Region residents are getting a sneak peek of a brand new rapid transport ‘glider’ set to speed up journeys to Liverpool John Lennon Airport and football stadia by 2028.

Clad in the Metro branding of the Liverpool City Region transport network, the vehicle was showcased outside Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium this morning. Mayor Steve Rotheram has pledged to deliver new rapid transport links to the arena as well as Everton’s new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium and John Lennon Airport by 2028.

The 18 metre, articulated vehicle unveiled today can carry around 30% more passengers than an average double decker bus. It also has three sets of double doors, allowing people to board and alight much more quickly, reducing the time spent at stops.

The vehicle is on loan from Translink in Northern Ireland where it is part of a 34-strong Glider fleet, and during its visit will be on display to the public at various locations throughout the Liverpool City Region.  Since the Glider network began operation in Belfast in 2018 it has replaced more than 2.5 million car trips whilst cutting journey times by up to 25%.  

Similar high-quality express services could also be rolled out to other parts of the city region currently not served by the rail network – including one serving the Wirral Waters development.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: 

“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.”

Bus rapid transit systems can provide fast, direct and reliable services which can be rolled out more quickly and at lower cost than new rail or tram networks.

Similar schemes operate in dozens of cities around the world including Barcelona, Toronto and Los Angeles, with others planned for Porto in Portugal, and Brisbane in Australia.

The new rapid transport link is an important part of Mayor Rotheram’s plans to deliver a London-style transport network that makes travelling around the region faster, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable.

During its visit, the vehicle will be tested on key routes in the city region, allowing the Combined Authority if changes need to be made to accommodate the vehicles.

The findings will be used to finalise plans for the new link, with details of proposed routes and infrastructure to follow in the coming months.

The vehicle will be on display to the public throughout this week as part of a roadshow taking place across the city region, with people being asked to provide their feedback on the vehicle and plans for new rapid transit links.

Roadshow events are being held at the below locations on the following dates:

• Monday 19 August – Anfield Stadium 08:00am-11:30am, Liverpool John Lennon Airport (pm) 12:30pm-03:00pm
• Tuesday 20 August – Seacombe Ferry Terminal – 09:00am-03:00pm
• Wednesday 21 August – Mann Island – 09:00am-03:00pm
• Thursday 22 August – St Helens Town Centre – 09:00am-03:00pm
• Friday 23 August – Green Oaks Shopping Centre, Widnes – 09:00am-03:00pm