Northampton have become the latest town in the UK to throw their hat into the mass transit ring with proposals for a system being considered as part of the Northampton Area Transport Strategy 2026 to 2036.
The new report states that although the town currently has a population of 250,000 it is rapidly expanding, and alternatives to private cars will be needed by 2036.
One such alternative could be some form of Mass Transit with the report “exploring the potential longer-term opportunity for a new mass transit system within Northampton, complementing the existing bus network. Providing a high quality, limited stop public transport service along key road corridors.”
This would be a long-term potential intervention and there is no commitment to any particular route at this time or what type of technology may be used, with further investigations needed.
It does give two alternatives though:
- Very Light Rail – based on the technology being developed in Coventry. It would be implemented in phases and would need to focus on key urban routes with high passenger demand. There would likely need to be significant lengths of priority lanes and signals, as well as high quality stops which would be more akin to tram stops.
- Trackless Tram System – A rubber tyred system using tram-like bus-based vehicles and could be a more flexible approach to providing a system in Northampton.
A consultation into the plan has been launched. More information at https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/consultations/northampton-area-transport-strategy-have-your-say