Archived decisions

Contact: Sheila Henley, ext 5189

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides an update on progress on the South Hampshire Rapid Transit (SHRT) 1 light rail scheme and development of the wider SHRT network.

2. South Hampshire Rapid Transit 1 Scheme for Light Rail between Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth

2.1 The pre-qualification process for the SHRT-1 scheme took place earlier this year and three bidding consortia were selected. The three consortia, Smart, Harbour Light Rail and South Hampshire Supertram Limited, comprise many of the world's leading companies in the fields of transport, construction, engineering and finance. Smart comprises Mitsubishi, Obayashi, Vinci Construction Grands Projects, Norwest Holst and Serco, while Harbour Light Rail is made up of Carillion, Nuttall, Alstom and Transdev. The third consortium, South Hampshire Supertram Limited links Stagecoach, Mowlem, Bouygues and Siemens. The tender documentation was issued to the three bidders in June 2002 and bids are due to be returned in December 2002. Final selection of the successful bidder will be announced in the autumn of 2003 and construction is likely to start at the beginning of 2004. Following a three year construction programme it is anticipated that trams will be running in the early part of 2007. An Exploitation Plan has been prepared, covering issues such as traffic management, parking, integrated ticketing, feeder bus services and related urban design.

3. Wider South Hampshire Rapid Transit Network Development

3.1 A Member-level working party has been established. Progress has commenced on a number of fronts as part of the preparation for a high quality mass transit system for South Hampshire in the next 20 years.

Integrated Management of Strategic Transport within South Hampshire

3.2 The concept of `Integrated Management' envisages strategic transport planning operation and investment in South Hampshire being undertaken in a coordinated manner, involving all stakeholders and transport providers. Discussions are in hand with the key stakeholders involved.

Multi-modal Integrated Ticketing for Public Transport in South Hampshire

3.3 A study has been commissioned into the scope for introducing a system of integrated ticketing for users of the public transport network in South Hampshire. Consultants are identifying the constraints and opportunities available to introduce a system in South Hampshire, with the cooperation of the operators and legislative authorities. The consultants have completed the first, fact finding, stage of the study and are now embarked on system design. It is hoped that a suitable scheme can be introduced during 2003/04.

Committed Network Development - Chandlers Ford New Rail Service and Station

3.4 Funding is in place to construct a new rail station at Chandlers Ford. Financial support from the Strategic Rail Authority through the Rail Passenger Partnership Fund to provide the train service from this station to Romsey, Eastleigh, Southampton and Totton is currently being sought for the start of operations in June 2003.

Plans for Network Expansion

3.5 Technical studies are planned for further development of the SHRT network arising from the review of the Structure Plan and the South Coast Multi-Modal Study (see item elsewhere on the agenda). These include opportunities for park-and-ride on the periphery of the area, some of which are highlighted in the presentation on the agenda, converting the rail line between Portsmouth and Southampton to light rail, constructing a new rail chord at Eastleigh, opening or reopening rail stations and lines to passenger service and promoting high quality fast bus services.

Publicity and Public Awareness

3.6 It is vital that public opinion continues to support the need for a high quality public transport system to reduce traffic congestion. Literature is currently being prepared to promote awareness of SHRT.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

7492/SH