Plans to transform travel through a £100 million plus Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) investment in sustainable public transport infrastructure in south east Dorset are taking shape. BCP Council and Dorset Council have published details of the proposed locations set to benefit from two connectivity corridors and four new cycle routes in south east Dorset.
BCP Council and Dorset Council were one of only 12 locations in England to secure a share of the government’s Transforming Cities Fund based on its commitment to driving economic growth through investment in public sustainable transport. It forms a major part of the region’s Transforming Travel programme promoting sustainable travel.
The multi-million-pound TCF investment will fund 78 kms of new cycling and walking routes and use smart technology to provide improved bus travel options and create green travel hubs in south east Dorset all aimed at offering environmentally friendly, safer and quicker journeys to work, education and leisure. Plans are underway for:
- Two ‘connectivity corridors’:
- Poole to Ferndown and Wimborne
- North Poole to Christchurch via North Bournemouth
- Four cycleways:
- Bournemouth to Christchurch
- Bournemouth to Ferndown
- Wareham to Poole
- North Poole to Poole Town Centre
- New bus stops, lighting, ‘smart’ traffic and improved real-time information
- New local travel app and ‘smart ticketing’ across bus operators
- Cycle facilities for businesses, schools, colleges and universities
- Improved pavement access for people with mobility needs
- Upgraded wayfinding
- Introduction of e-bikes
Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council said:
“The proposed locations for the new connectivity corridors and cycleways mark the start of a remarkable transformation in how we will be able to travel around the region. This major £100 million investment in sustainable infrastructure will make walking, cycling and travelling by bus significantly more attractive. This is good not only for people’s health and wellbeing, but will also help address congestion hotspots, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.”
Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council said:
“Our roads are too congested, we are over reliant on cars, particularly for short journeys, yet current sustainable travel options are limited and unappealing. These plans will give people safer, quicker and environmentally-friendly travel choices and help facilitate a greener, healthier and better-connected region, supporting both our economy and planet.”
BCP Council and Dorset Council’s Transforming Travel programme promotes changes in the way that people travel in the area. The Transforming Cities Fund is one of the first programmes to be delivered under Transforming Travel and will be the largest sustainable transport infrastructure improvement programme ever seen in south east Dorset. Find out more here.
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