Greater Cambridge Making Connections 2022
The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) is consulting on plans for sustainable travel in and around the city.
The three main elements of the plans are:
- transforming the bus network
- investing in walking and cycling, and
- creating a Sustainable Travel Zone with road user charging
The consultation brochure describes the proposals as ‘a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change how we travel in Greater Cambridge and the wider area, relieving pressure on the network and responding to air quality, cost of living and climate crises for a better, cleaner and safer future.’
Transforming the Bus Network
From mid-2023, GCP is proposing to double the hours of service and miles covered by the Greater Cambridge bus network. There will be a £1 flat fare for journeys in the Cambridge bus zone, and £2 fares in the wider area.
GCP intends to invest £50 million a year in buses and the bus network. The bus fleet will be entirely electric by 2030.
Walking and Cycling
Alongside improving the bus network, GCP is proposing to invest in other sustainable travel schemes, including better walking and cycling links.
Sustainable Travel Zone (Road User Charging)
The Sustainable Travel Zone would operate from 7am to 7pm on weekdays, with a charge of £5 per vehicle per day. It would be introduced gradually from 2025, and be fully operational in 2027/8.
It is expected to reduce traffic in the zone by 50%. Traffic in Greater Cambridge would reduce by 15% compared with a 2011 baseline.
All the money raised by charging drivers would be invested in improving transport – the bus network, and other sustainable travel schemes.
Mayor’s Comments
The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Dr Nik Johnson, said:
‘We all need affordable, sustainable and well-connected transport to travel safely, at a time that suits us. Key to this is making active travel a natural choice, which requires a strong walking and cycling network that gives people the confidence to change how they travel…
dr nik johnson, mayor
As an NHS children’s doctor, I’m very aware of the impact bad air quality and a sedentary lifestyle can have on our young people and how poor health can affect their chances in life.
A shift away from cars can only happen if we have fast, reliable affordable and frequent buses.’
The GCP Executive Board asks people to ‘imagine a city that prioritises people over cars.’
The brochure accompanying the consultation notes that transport is responsible for around 35% of carbon emissions in Greater Cambridge.
It says that in a 2021 consultation, there was a high level of support for measures to reduce emissions and other pollution.
The Making Connections 2022 consultation runs until 23rd December 2022.