Speedy bus link can beat jams – if public want it
Published Date:
15 October 2008
A MULTI-MILLION pound bus link between Gosport and Fareham to relieve congestion could become a reality – if enough residents have their say.
A high-speed bus route is being proposed along the old railway line from Holbrook to Fareham railway station.
Plans are going on show to residents of the two towns before a final bid for £20m is submitted to the government.
Hampshire County Council says views from the public could help boost the project's chances of success.
Councillor Mel Kendal, who is responsible for transport issues at the county council, said: 'The consultation will be an opportunity for people to understand what we are aiming to achieve and tell us what they think.
'This is an important part of the development of the business case which will be submitted to government in the bid for funding for this first phase.
'The concepts people will see are work in progress and the contributions made by local residents and businesses will be invaluable in influencing the final designs.'
The bus scheme is a part replacement for the tram linking Fareham, Gosport and under the harbour to Portsmouth, turned down by the government after the need to deepen the harbour for new aircraft carriers added £100m to the estimated £170m cost.
The new bus scheme – which will cost a total of £175m – will be done in stages.
The first phase of the project will see large buses setting off from Gosport every seven-and-a-half minutes and heading up the disused railway line to Fareham train station.
Over time the route will eventually link Fareham and Gosport with Portsmouth, Queen Alexandra Hospital at Cosham and the site of a proposed housing development for 10,000 new homes in North Fareham.
The bus scheme is one of 15 transport projects put forward by the South East England Regional Assembly as part of a bid to relieve traffic congestion. If given the green light, the proposals are expected to be implemented between 2016 and 2018.
Consultation times
Gosport – Bridgemary Community Sports College in Wych Lane:
October 16 – 3.30pm to 8pm;
October 17 – 9am to 1pm and 5.30pm to 8pm;
October 18 – 9am to 6pm.
Fareham – Civic Offices:
October 20 – 10.30am to 5pm;
October 21 – 9am to 5pm;
October 22 – 9am to 5pm.
The full article contains 395 words and appears in NS-Havant & Waterlooville newspaper.
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Last Updated:
15 October 2008 8:15 AM
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Source:
NS-Havant & Waterlooville
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Location:
Portsmouth
