Hampshire Bus Link Opens

A £20m rapid bus transit route in Hampshire has opened and is carrying its first passengers.

The Bus Rapid Transit scheme links Gosport to Fareham along a disused railway line.
It means buses can bypass the congested A32 and the route links housing estates with the two town centres.
Many locals objected to the plans, arguing the track had become a wildlife haven and an important route used by bats to reach feeding grounds.
Construction finally started after the council won the case at the Supreme Court.
First have launched 14 brand new Volvo B7RLEs onto the route, with new services E1 and E2 combining to provide a 7/8 minute frequency Monday to Saturday daytime and 15 minute frequency evenings and Sundays. The buses are fitted with leather seats and have wi-fi.

 click to enlarge

Originally a tram was planned, which was to go through a tunnel beneath Portsmouth Harbour, but the proposal proved too expensive.
Planting and acoustic fencing has been installed on the route to reduce the impact on residents.


http://www3.hants.gov.uk/eclipse


David Gambles