NEW 'rapid transit' bus lanes will come into operation in west Belfast next week, ahead of full introduction of the Glider service in September.
The lanes on Stewartstown Road, Andersonstown Road, Falls Road and Divis Street will operate from 7am until 7pm from Monday to Saturday.
There will be a loading/unloading window between 10am and 2pm and vehicles displaying a blue badge can also stop for up to 10 minutes to drop-off or pick up a blue badge holder.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Infrastructure said: "The bus lanes will provide increased priority and a faster, more efficient service for existing bus services in the short term and, from September 3, for Glider services on this key public transport route.
"Motorists will have the opportunity to get used to the new arrangements during the summer when traffic levels are traditionally lower.
"The department would ask roads users in the area to take extra care until they are familiar with the new arrangements."
Rapid transit bus lanes between East Bridge Street and Dunlady Road in east Belfast will also come into operation on July 30, and in the Belfast Harbour Estate and the city centre on August 6.
