Fastrack and Kent Thameside policies receive international accolade
Kent Thameside has welcomed news that the innovation behind its regeneration policies and Bus Rapid Transit system, Fastrack has been highlighted with success in prestigious international transport awards.
The awards were made by the International Transport Forum and the International Association of Public Transport to recognise outstanding innovation in public transport. Twenty six public transport schemes from around the world were considered by the judges. The top award went to Spain’s capital city, Madrid, with Fastrack coming joint second alongside the public transport system in India’s seventh largest city, Ahmedabad.
The entry was jointly submitted with Arriva who operate Fastrack. The awards were presented on 27th May at an annual international transport conference held in Liepzig, Germany.
The judges were impressed by the innovative way in which integrated planning and public transport policies in Kent Thameside are being used to deliverable sustainable regeneration. They also applauded the Bridge development at Dartford as a practical demonstration of measures designed to encourage use of public transport, being particularly impressed with the full implementation of Fastrack before residents moved in and the information screens provided in each house.
Kent Thameside Chairman and KCC Cabinet Member Kevin Lynes said:
“This is great news and a clear endorsement of our bold and innovative policy approach. A huge amount of effort went into the planning and launch of Fastrack and this accolade recognises the continuing success that Fastrack has enjoyed. It is now imperative that all stakeholders in the project – including government, developers and local authorities – continue to fully support the further roll out of Fastrack and the wider planning and transport policy approach, especially through what are very challenging times ahead.”
For more information please visit www.go-fastrack.co.uk, www.kent-thameside.co.uk or www.internationaltransportforum.org
