A second rapid transit vehicle is set to begin road testing across the Liverpool City Region this month, reinforcing Mayor Steve Rotheram’s commitment to launching a new fleet of high-capacity ‘gliders’ by 2028.
The 18-metre, battery-powered vehicle, on loan from Spanish manufacturer Irizar and dressed in the region’s distinctive Metro livery, follows last year’s initial trial using a Belfast-based Translink model.
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said:
“This is a big moment on our journey to build the modern, reliable transport system that our area’s needed for decades.
“When I talk about a ‘London-style’ network, I mean a system that’s joined-up, easy to use, and where you don’t have to think twice about how you’re getting from A to B. That’s the standard people in our region should expect too – not just those in the capital.
“For too long, places like ours have been treated as an afterthought when it comes to transport funding and infrastructure. But we’ve secured £1.6bn from government – and we’re putting it to work, building a system that actually works for the 1.6 million people who live here.
“These gliders are a glimpse of that future – clean, spacious, accessible – and they’ll help people get to work, to training, or to the match, without having to rely on a car.
“I’ve made a clear commitment to have services running between the city centre, airport and both our football grounds by 2028 – and this trial is another big step towards making that promise a reality.”
This latest phase of testing will see the glider operate along key commuter routes, gathering real-world performance data and valuable passenger feedback. These insights will directly inform the final design and procurement of the city region’s own fleet. Each glider offers 30% more capacity than a standard double-decker bus and features dual double doors to speed up boarding and exit times. Other enhancements include level boarding access and off-vehicle ticketing, all aimed at reducing stop times and offering a faster, more convenient alternative to car travel.
Designed to integrate seamlessly with the region’s wider transport network, including buses, trains, and active travel routes, the gliders are backed by a record £1.6bn transport investment secured by Mayor Rotheram from central government.
Route development for Phase 1 is already underway, with planned connections to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Anfield, and the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Future phases could extend the service to areas currently underserved by rail, helping to bridge gaps in regional connectivity.
The Liverpool City Region is now on track to join global cities such as Amiens, Barcelona, Toronto, and Los Angeles, where similar rapid transit systems are already proving successful. Porto and Brisbane are also set to launch their own networks soon.
While the glider won’t be open to passengers during this test phase, residents are invited to get a first-hand look and share their thoughts. A public drop-in session will take place at 1 Mann Island on Wednesday, 23 July, from 10:00 to 16:00.
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