Its been 90 years since trams last run in Bournemouth (since when its even changed counties!) but could then return? A new 10-year growth strategy is currently being developed by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and as part of that they are suggesting that an Ultra Light Rail network could be developed for the area.
As with many areas, congestion has become a problem for this area of Dorset and a key part of the plan is to improve transport links. One suggestion is that an Ultra Light Rail network could be built – although that is pretty much where the idea ends at the moment with this only being the discovery phase.
As if to show how early the plans are, one local Councillor, Cllr Lesley Dedman, commented: “Another thing I am not quite sure on is ultra light railway, what a fantastic idea, I am not too sure what it is but I think again those things have been tried year after year and I really hope we can get something going this time as there has always been a problem.”
There is also an expectation in the Council that the only way a tram system (or any form of rapid/mass transit) could ever happen would be with significant central government funding.
For now this probably remains one of those to file in the “ambitious” plans category.