This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
KENT 43
Fastrack
When the idea for the redevelopment of Kent
The point of difference between Fastrack and traditional bus
Thameside was first mooted in the 1990’s, it was
services is the focus on reliability, convenience, information
decided that a new bus rapid transit system was
technology and overall ease of use that it offers.
needed, to complement existing rail and bus
A new real-time web service allows riders to see when the next bus is
services, reduce reliance on the private car and due at their stop. At most stops, when they get there, a satellite-
reduce future congestion.
linked display will show them where the next bus is and estimate its
arrival time.
Stakeholders include Kent County Council, the Department
Given that Fastrack pledges a bus will come along every 10
for Transport, the Department for Communities and Local
minutes, it may seem redundant to go to such lengths to keep riders
Government, Kent Thameside Regeneration Partnership,
so well-informed, but as is fitting with the creation of these new
Dartford and Gravesham Borough Councils and private
communities of the future, the key is to shift the balance of control
developers Land Securities and ProLogis.
more in favour of the system’s users, to end the uncertainty often
connected with traditional services that can discourage people
Fastrack is evidence of what can be done if a new service is
from waiting at a stop, hoping a bus will be along soon.
started from scratch. Between now and 2018, a network of new
dedicated bus routes will be established to serve the
The Fastrack service is operated under contract by Arriva and has
redevelopment areas, linking Dartford, Gravesend, Ebbsfleet
been a real hit since it began in 2006, winning the ‘bus’ category in
Valley and Bluewater and providing connections with existing bus
the National Transport Awards last year and two awards at the UK Bus
services and Southeastern and Eurostar rail services. Services
Awards this year. Around 2 million passengers a year now use the
have already started on Routes A and B, with connections to and
service, with that figure set to rise dramatically as new developments
from the office, laboratory and studio space at The Nucleus at
come on stream. Customer satisfaction is high at 95% and, most
The Bridge, Dartford - a partnership between ProLogis and
crucially, close to 20% of those passengers say they would otherwise
Dartford Borough Council, and operated by Start International.
have used their cars were it not for this service.
Two further Fastrack routes will be introduced as future
developments get underway.
Source: Fastrack www.go-fastrack.co.uk
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84
Produced with Yudu - www.yudu.com