Liverpool has revealed its new rapid ‘glider’ transport that will connect the city to the airport and football stadiums by 2028.
The unusual-looking transport link has wheels, but it operates more like a ‘trackless tram’ due to its tram-like design and mix of standing and seated areas.
The 18m-long vehicle can bend in its centre and has three large double doors with wheelchair access, which means loading and unloading passengers at stops takes less time, improving the efficiency of the service.
The glider can also carry up to 30 per cent more passengers than an average double-decker bus.
Liverpool is showcasing the proposed glider, wrapped in their Liverpool City Region Metro branding, to local residents this week.
This particular glider is on loan from Translink in Northern Ireland, which already utilises a 34-strong fleet of gliders that have been in operation in Belfast since 2018.
Since the gliders’ introduction in Belfast, authorities say they have replaced more than 2.5 million car trips, as well as cutting journey times by up to 25 per cent.
Belfast’s gliders also have free onboard wifi and USB charging facilities.
The gliders’ anticipated introduction is part of the city mayor Steve Rotheram’s pledge to deliver new rapid transport links to their aries, Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium, Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and the city’s John Lennon Airport by 2028 when the Euros will be hosted by the UK and Ireland.
The mayor said he hopes to build a “London-style transport system,” with the glider intending to make trips to the airport and the football faster and more efficient.
“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,” Rotherham said.
Aside from being a football hotspot, the Liverpool City Region has also long attracted tourists from around the world due to its rich music and cultural history.
“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,”…
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