Dover Fastrack bus route to launch in November - but with diesel-powered buses

Kent's first zero-emission bus route will finally launch next month - but with diesel-powered vehicles instead of electric.

The much-delayed Dover Fastrack, which is set to cost £34m, will see buses connect Whitfield with the town centre and Dover Priory railway station.

It will begin operating on Sunday, November 17 but bosses say "ultra-low emission" diesel buses will be "temporarily used" until a fleet of five electric vehicles is ready.

Kent County Council (KCC) is delivering the scheme, which has been partly funded by a £22.9 million grant from Homes England, in partnership with Dover District Council (DDC).

The service will use existing and new roads, as well as dedicated busways which will see buses have priority over other traffic on the route.

On October 14, KCC will start construction of a northbound bus contraflow in Pencester Road, Dover, as part of the project.

Bosses aim to complete construction by next spring.

Councillors in Dover had been anxious as the launch of the whole scheme, which includes a new bridge over the A2, has been pushed back numerous times.

But Cllr Neil Baker (Con), KCC’s cabinet member for transport and highways, said today: “Our ambition is to make it easier for people to choose public transport for their journeys before jumping in their car.

“With the announcement of the launch of the Dover Fastrack, we are showing our commitment to connecting communities and providing residents with reliable public transport services.”

Cllr Jamie Pout (Lab), DDC’s deputy leader, said: “We welcome the investment in public transport in Dover, taking cars off the road and encouraging our residents to catch a bus.

“The eventual introduction of electric buses will nicely complete this project by providing zero emission transport: a real alternative to the car for local journeys.”

Matthew Arnold, Stagecoach South East's business development director, said: "We're incredibly excited to be partnering with KCC and DCC on this signal project which will bring the very first fleet of zero emission electric buses to east Kent.

"This is a serious investment in a high quality, ultra-modern public transport solution and demonstrates what can be achieved where central and local government work together, alongside a commercial operator, to deliver something remarkable for local people."

KCC says new roads built for the project - Red Kite Road linking Honeywood Parkway at Whitfield Tesco roundabout to the new Richmond Park development, and Farmstead Way linking Honeywood Parkway at the B&Q roundabout with Dover Road - will be opened to pedestrians and cyclists from October 8.

Access for vehicles will be blocked off by temporary barriers to stop unauthorised use before November 17.

Automatic number-plate recognition cameras will be in operation and enforcement action will be taken against any unauthorised vehicles using the bus-only sections of the route, bosses say.

A similar Fastrack scheme is also being set up in Dartford and Gravesham, with zero-emission buses set to start operating by April.