Motorways can be a source of congestion

The facility, which operates from the Sandyknowes on-slip of the M2, will be in use from 0730 - 0930 BST weekdays.

It is being opened for the first time on Monday.

Joe Drew of the Roads Service said the service was part of its ongoing strategy to make public transport a viable alternative to the car.

He said buses, particularly the City Express service, could use this route to avoid the frequent traffic delays on the M2.

'Congested queues'

"This bus priority route is a further enhancement of the City Express service, which is a designated quality bus corridor," he said.

"The quality bus corridor provides high quality shelters at most stops, upgraded waiting areas, a real time passenger information system and bus lanes at Ballyhenry Road and Station Road."

Philip O'Neill of transport company Translink welcomed the measure.

He said it would enable the company to deliver faster bus speeds thus, "making our bus services more attractive as passengers can avoid long congested traffic queues".

He added: "This initiative will particularly enhance our fast, frequent City Express services making them a very real alternative to the private car for commuters travelling during the congested peak period."