Glider Bus Trial Aims to Speed Up Liverpool Travel

Liverpool is set to trial a Glider bus, a high-capacity vehicle designed to cut journey times on key routes across the city. The 18-metre (59-foot) long bus, which resembles a tram, has been loaned from the 34-strong Belfast Glider fleet in Northern Ireland.

The trial is part of Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram's pledge to enhance transport in the region, making travel "faster, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable". Rotheram hopes the Glider bus will help reduce congestion and improve journey times on routes between the city centre and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Anfield Stadium, and Everton's new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.

"We need to find a solution to those pinch points that we have," Rotheram said, highlighting the challenges of managing large crowds at sporting events. "Everyone going to a football match will know getting away at the end is difficult, so we need more capacity and more rapid transport."

The Glider bus boasts several features designed to improve passenger experience and efficiency. It can carry around 30% more passengers than a double-decker bus, and has dedicated space for wheelchairs and luggage. A tap-and-go payment system streamlines boarding, while three sets of double doors enable passengers to embark and disembark more quickly.

"The whole thing is a much more speedy approach to a transport solution, and that's what we're looking for," Rotheram explained. "What we want is to have something with plenty of capacity, to have loads of room for baggage and luggage, and to have it as an express service from Liverpool John Lennon airport right into the heart of the city centre."

The Glider bus trial will focus on key routes across the city region, evaluating the need for any necessary road modifications to accommodate the vehicle's size. If successful, the plan is to introduce Glider buses into the region's transport network within four years.