Plans to extend Belfast's Glider bus service to Glengormley have been withdrawn due to expected traffic congestion. An internal Department for Infrastructure briefing paper from November 2024 states the extension would negatively impact the town centre and Glider reliability. A feasibility study found it not recommended, highlighting issues at the Antrim, Hightown and Ballyclare roads junction.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins paused the Glengormley and Carryduff extensions last year, calling them not economically viable at the time. She hopes to include them in future and keeps the matter under review. Kimmins told assembly members in March that full BRT2 delivery, including those extensions, targets 2033.

The minister maintains there has been no delay to the north-south Glider project. She clarified that 2030 relates to a phase extending G2 service to Queen's University and City Hospital. The department confirms phase one remains on track for 2030 completion, with Gliders scheduled on the south city route and a north city park and ride on O'Neill Road by then.

BRT2 aims to run along Antrim Road north and Ormeau and Saintfield roads south. The project costs £124.5m, with £48m secured. Previous timelines included 2027 operational start and 2028 or 2030 phases.

The Glider launched in 2018 between east and west Belfast using purple articulated buses.