HARLANDER HITS THE ROAD FOR TESTING WITHIN HARBOUR ESTATE
Over the next few weeks you may notice that Belfast Harbour is testing the new ‘Harlander’ shuttle on roads around Titanic Quarter. When launched, Harlander will be the first self-driving passenger service in Northern Ireland and Ireland, carrying up to 9 members of the public at one time, with a safety operator on board.
The vehicle will initially only be on the roads for testing and to enable the route to be mapped by Harlander’s systems. This mapping is expected to take approximately three weeks and Belfast Harbour will then open the service to the public at the end of May.
What is the Harlander and why is it needed?
Harlander will provide last mile connectivity on a route where it wouldn’t be viable to operate a bus, therefore supporting people who take public transport to get to their final destination. The autonomous vehicle is like a minibus, it is electric powered, low-noise and designed utilising the latest zero-emission technology. A safety operator will be on board at all times, in line with UK law.
What is the Harlander service trying to demonstrate?
Harlander will help people understand how a modern transport option can complement the city’s existing public transport, such as buses, rail and better connect people to key destinations within Belfast Harbour Estate.
Why is the Harlander operating in Belfast Harbour Estate?
Autonomous vehicles form part of a wider transport plan enabling last mile connectivity and providing convenient access to the railway stop at Titanic Halt. The Harlander will run on a 15-20-minute loop, connecting Titanic Halt railway station with Queen’s Island. The route will have six bus stops including a new bus stop added to Hamilton Road. It will benefit commuters travelling to Catalyst as well as students attending Belfast MET, together with visitors to the estate, providing intra-port connectivity.
