Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has appointed AtkinsRéalis to provide engineering services for the Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 (BRT2) project. This contract will support the expansion of the city’s bus rapid transit (BRT) network from preliminary design through to construction supervision.
The project forms part of the Belfast Region City Deal and aims to extend Belfast’s rapid transit network into north and south Belfast, improving public transport connections across the city.
The appointment covers engineering and project delivery services from the preliminary design stage through to construction supervision. The contract will run from 2026 to 2032 and supports the delivery of the 124.5 million GBP programme.
Under the agreement, AtkinsRéalis will provide engineering design, stakeholder engagement, planning and statutory approvals support, procurement assistance, contract management and construction supervision throughout the development of the scheme.
Ian Spellacey, Market Director, Strategic Highways and Win Work at AtkinsRéalis, said:Schemes like Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 matter because they help cities make better use of existing networks, improve access to jobs and services, and provide realistic alternatives to car travel. Delivering them well depends on good planning and close collaboration from the outset, so projects can move smoothly from design into construction and deliver long‑term value for the city.
BRT2 builds on the existing Belfast Rapid Transit network, commonly known as the Glider service, which was introduced in 2018. According to the Department for Infrastructure, the first phase contributed to a significant increase in public transport use along the corridor, with passenger numbers rising by 70 percent and a corresponding reduction in private car journeys.
The second phase is expected to expand rapid transit coverage to additional parts of the city, improving connections to employment centres, educational institutions and healthcare facilities. The programme also supports Northern Ireland’s net zero ambitions through measures designed to encourage greater use of public transport and reduced dependence on private vehicles.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:The Belfast Rapid Transit Glider service has been a huge success and has helped transform and modernise public transport services in east and west Belfast.
I remain committed to the delivery of BRT Phase 2 which will extend the Glider network into north and south Belfast. My officials have been working to progress the scheme at pace since my announcement in February 2025. On site survey works began in June 2025 to inform the preliminary design, and the Outline Business Case was approved in December 2025.
Therefore, I am pleased to confirm that AtkinsRéalis has been appointed to advance the detailed design and work closely with the DfI BRT2 project team to prepare for the construction phase.
The Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 project represents a further investment in the city’s public transport infrastructure and is expected to be delivered in stages over the coming years as planning and design work progresses.
