Routes for a possible tram or ultra light rail network are being explored across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as part of BCP Council’s long term transport plans. Tram routes are being considered as part of a 15 year transport plan for BCP. BCP Council is looking at a tram or ultra light rail system for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with the long term aim of delivering mass transit by 2041 and reducing reliance on cars across the area. Councillor Andy Hadley, cabinet member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said the council had not committed to a scheme, but had bee
Tram routes are being considered as part of a 15 year transport plan for BCP.
BCP Council is looking at a tram or ultra light rail system for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with the long term aim of delivering mass transit by 2041 and reducing reliance on cars across the area.
Councillor Andy Hadley, cabinet member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said the council had not committed to a scheme, but had been looking at what could work "in the first instance".
One possible route would run from Bournemouth town centre towards the football ground, the hospital, Castlepoint and the airport, while the M1 and M2 bus corridor has also been identified because of its frequent services.
Councillor Hadley said light rail could carry more passengers than buses running close together and "provides another transport option" between bus services and intercity rail for local journeys across the conurbation.
The council previously ran trams between 1901 and 1935 from Poole Quay to Christchurch Quay, but any new network would need capital investment and would have to deal with limited road space.
Councillor Hadley said integrated tickets and timetables would be important, and suggested former railway corridors now used for walking and cycling could offer routes away from traffic without disrupting existing roads.
