Glider bus would speed up city travel - mayor

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said the Glider can be boarded quicker than a regular bus

A Glider bus, which aims to reduce journey times on key routes, is being trialled in Liverpool.

The 18m (59ft) long vehicle is based on a tram design and is on loan from Northern Ireland's 34-strong fleet on the Belfast Glider network.

Liverpool's Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram hopes the vehicles can help speed up journey times between the city centre and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Liverpool FC's Anfield Stadium and Everton's new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.

The move is part of his pledge to deliver a transport network to make travelling around the region "faster, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable".

The Glider bus is on loan from Translink in Northern Ireland

“We need to find a solution to those pinch points that we have," Mr Rotheram said.

"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 buses can carry around 30% more passengers than a double decker bus, and has space for wheelchairs and luggage.

The vehicles also use a tap and go payment system to speed up boarding and have three sets of double doors which Mr Rotheram said helps people get on and off the service "much more quickly".

"The whole thing is a much more speedier approach to a transport solution and that's what we're looking for," he said.

“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," he added.

The Glider bus will be tested on key routes in the city region to see if any road changes are needed to accommodate the vehicles, with a plan to introduce them in four years.