Fastrack a success but passing Ingress by

Single to Ingress please??

Latest update...... (Aug 09)

(Fastrack website)

"Dear resident

Re:Fastrack route

We are writing to inform you that we are commencing the construction of the new Fastrack Bus Route between The Avenue and Ingress Park Avenue during the week of 10th August 2009. The works are expected to be completed within 30 weeks

Anderson Construction Ltd"  

Previously.....

"Dear Ingressor

"Let me assure you that from our own viewpoints both I and my colleagues at Arriva are keen to get the Fastrack service into Ingress park at the earliest possible opportunity, quite apart from any 'parking'  benefits it may bring

You are of course aware that the section of Fastrack busway extending from Greenhithe Station and under the tunnel to the western boundary of the Ingress Park site at The Avenue has been completed by Kent Highway Services (KHS). You will also no doubt be aware that a further section of busway is yet to be constructed by Crest Nicholson within the Ingress Park site to link up the eastern end of the already constructed busway beneath The Avenue with Ingress Park Avenue. It was anticipated that the works by Crest Nicholson would take place concurrently with the KHS works and the sections of busway would open simultaneously but unfortunately this did not happen.

"The Fastrack services into Ingress Park cannot commence until both sections of busway are complete. My understanding is that Dartford Borough Council are in discussion with Crest Nicholson to ensure that the outstanding link is delivered at the earliest possible opportunity.

"However, there is a "closed season", between September and May, when Crest cannot do works because of the presence of hibernating bats. Work on the outstanding link is therefore unlikely to start before the autumn at the earliest which unfortunately means that Fastrack services into Ingress Park are now unlikely to commence until Spring 2010 at the earliest.

"This is very unfortunate as the Fastrack initiative itself has been a great success so far, winning the top prize in the bus category at the prestigious National Transport Awards. Exceeding patronage estimates from the outset, Fastrack has now carried over 2.3 million passengers, with the vehicles having travelled some 800,000 miles to date – the equivalent of more than three times the distance from the earth to the moon. There is also evidence that 19% of passengers have switched from using a car to Fastrack for local journeys, making it a credible alternative to the car.

"I can confirm that a combined pedestrian and cycle facility has

been provided alongside the busway that has been constructed by KHS,

including through the tunnel, and that this will indeed provide access

to Greenhithe station. Cyclists will not be permitted to use the actual

busway itself as this is reserved for Fastrack buses only, hence the

specific provision for cyclists alongside the busway.

Regards,

David George

Fastrack Team