Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has confirmed the introduction of a £20 million public transport system for Belfast.

The Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) system is to link Dundonald in east Belfast, the proposed Colin Town Centre in west Belfast, and the Titanic Quarter via the city centre.

Work has already begun on a huge park and ride scheme at Dundonald, which is due to become operational at the end of 2014. The entire BRT service is set to be fully operational in 2017.

Over the next three years 40 rapid transit vehicles will be delivered. High quality halts are to be constructed enabling easy access to vehicles, while real-time information systems will allow easier journey planning and off-vehicle ticketing will speed up the boarding process.

"Belfast Rapid Transit is an innovative and ambitious project that will create a modern and dynamic public transport system for Belfast," Mr Kennedy said, as the Belfast Newsletter reports.