After receiving a response to several questions from the Minister for Infrastructure, Ms Bradshaw said: "It is increasingly evident that the North/South Glider project will be delayed from its initially projected completion date in 2027. However, the Saintfield Road/Ormeau Road corridor cannot simply be left with current public transport options in this event. With a growing population, reliable and frequent public transport will become even more important.

"Worryingly, the Minister’s response to my Assembly Questions clearly suggests that there is no contingency plan. It cannot, however, be simply 'Glider or nothing'. We need to hear about other options."

Ms Nicholl added: "My office arranged a meeting for the South Belfast Alliance team to meet with Translink, at which we raised a number of issues including the growing pressure on the Saintfield Road/Ormeau Road corridor.

"If the North/South Glider project is delayed, we cannot simply allow even more cars onto the A24. Not only is this environmentally unsound, but the road is already exceeding capacity and the failure to upgrade public transport over a number of years will severely impact people living in the area. 

"If the Glider is not to proceed as initially envisaged, we will need more frequent bus services at least in the interim to deliver for a growing population and a changing demographic profile across the Newtownbreda, Cairnshill and Carryduff areas."