AtkinsRéalis has been appointed by Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to provide engineering services for Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 (BRT2), supporting the project from preliminary design through to construction supervision.
The appointment marks a significant step forward for the next phase of Belfast’s rapid-transit network, which is designed to improve public transport connectivity across the city while supporting wider economic, environmental and mobility objectives. The commission also builds on AtkinsRéalis’s longstanding involvement in the delivery and development of infrastructure projects across Northern Ireland.
BRT2 forms part of a £124.5m investment programme being delivered through the Belfast Region City Deal and is intended to extend the reach of Belfast’s successful Glider network. By increasing rapid-transit provision and giving greater priority to public transport, the scheme is expected to enhance network resilience, improve access to key destinations and contribute to Northern Ireland’s Net Zero ambitions.
The project follows the success of the first Belfast Rapid Transit phase, which recorded a 70% increase in public transport usage along the corridor it serves, helping to encourage a shift away from private car travel and demonstrating the benefits of high-quality public transport infrastructure.
AtkinsRéalis’s appointment will run from 2026 until 2032, supporting the phased delivery of the expanded network as the scheme progresses through design and construction.
Northern Ireland 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.”
The extension of the Glider network into north and south Belfast is expected to strengthen connections between communities, improve access to employment, education and services, and support wider regeneration and sustainable transport objectives across the city.
With preliminary design work now progressing and engineering support in place, BRT2 represents one of Northern Ireland’s most significant public transport investments, building on the success of the existing network while helping to shape Belfast’s future transport infrastructure.
