'Luas talk' of a light rail option for Belfast.

Slice

'Luas talk' of a light rail option for Belfast.
Study is planned for Dublin-style tram system
Wednesday, January 17, 2007

By Robin Morton

Politicians and business leaders have welcomed the prospect of Belfast getting a Luas-style rapid transit system.

They were responding to the announcement yesterday that a feasibility study is to be carried out into two potential routes.

But there were strident calls for the new system to be light rail rather than bus-based, even though this would be a more expensive option.

South Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell said he was pleased that Regional Development Minister David Cairns had followed through on his commitment to include a light rail option.

He said: "Belfast is a growing city and to accommodate the proposed increased population, particularly when the Titanic Quarter development comes to fruition, we need a modern reliable transport system.

"We are in the fortunate position of being able to adopt a light rail system because levels of development in relative terms in Belfast are in their infancy.

"Belfast could enjoy the benefits of light rail without half the headaches Dublin endured when building it. For example the price of land here is still much cheaper."

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Pat McCarthy, said it was vital the city was not fobbed off with a guided busway.

"Numerous studies have shown that commuters will not made the modal shift from car to public transport unless they can be offered a modern and efficient light rail system.

"Most modern cities in Europe boast modern light rail systems and they transform the image and economy of such cities, as Dublin has shown.

"Belfast must not be sold short and given the cheap option. If we are serious about modernising our public transport system we need to go the whole hog."

Harry McGimpsey, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses in Belfast, said it was vital that transport links from the city centre to Titanic Quarter and George Best Airport needed to be upgraded.

He said: "Such a modernisation would clearly benefit our local economy and facilitate greater tourism to the city.

"We hope that those conducting the study will fully consult the views of the local business community in the Greater Belfast area about the possible route options."

Councillor Mervyn Jones, who represents the Victoria ward, said it was essential that the proposals were scrutinised to see if they were viable and to ensure they would complement the existing public transport network.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article2160501.ece

Victor

They have to be careful. While Belfast probably has better density than Dublin, too much of the population is car based and the "suburbs" are much further out.