THE guided busway scheme is intended to provide high-quality public transport between Huntingdon and Cambridge. It aims to be a public transport system that is reliable and frequent. The guided route diverts buses from the A14, so passengers will not hav

THE guided busway scheme is intended to provide high-quality public transport between Huntingdon and Cambridge. It aims to be a public transport system that is reliable and frequent.

The guided route diverts buses from the A14, so passengers will not have to compete with other traffic, especially during the rush-hour period. Journeys will be much more reliable, meaning local people will reach their destinations with ease.

Real-time travel information boards at all stops will enable passengers to know exactly when the next bus is due.

The busway will provide people with a frequent bus service in and around the A14 corridor. Initially three buses will run every hour from Huntingdon to Cambridge and there will be six buses every hour between St Ives and Cambridge.

The journey from St Ives to Cambridge City Centre will take 33 minutes compared to the unpredictable car journey times caused by frequent severe congestion on the A14.

The high-quality, comfortable ride, will make the guided bus journey a really attractive alternative to the car. Many buses will be air-conditioned, with leather seats and equipped with wi-fi internet connections.

A park-and-ride facility at St Ives will initially have space for 500 cars. It could be expanded to 1,000 spaces as demand increases.

No only will the users of the buses benefit, but cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders will be provided with facilities along its route. The part between St Ives and Milton Road, in Cambridge, will be a designated bridleway, and bus stops will be fitted with secure cycle parking.

There are many environmental benefits associated with the guided busway, the biggest being the reduction in car-related emissions.

As part of the scheme 16 new areas for wildlife are being created. These will include many new habitats such as hedgerows, woodland and grassland. Bat boxes, bird boxes and ponds will be provided within some of these areas, all of which will help to re-create the natural environment and habitats of the old railway corridor.

For more information on the guided busway developments visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk