South Hampshire Light Rapid Transit System, United Kingdom

Hampshire County Council with Portsmouth City Council are promoting a light rapid transit system (LRT) between Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth, which would be Phase 1 of South Hampshire Rapid Transit (SHRT). SHRT is a proposal for a modern rapid transit system, which will provide fast, frequent and reliable public transport services.

LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM

The project is intended to offer an attractive alternative to travel on the increasingly congested road network in southern Hampshire, and form an integral part of the local public transport system.

When fully operational, the system will represent a significant journey time saving compared with the equivalent road journey. Various modes of transport were studied for this route but public consultation and technical assessment supported the choice of a tram. Nevertheless, the ferry link will remain in operation, although it is likely to evolve into a different type of business if the SHRT harbour crossing and the tunnel is as successful as predicted.

LIGHT RAIL PROJECT TIMESCALE

Following detailed design, the construction period will commence some time in 2002 and is expected to last for about three years. Building the tunnel is likely to take up most of this period, with other sections being completed in a shorter time. After the system has been commissioned, the first fare paying passengers would be able to travel between Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth by around 2005.

SHRT FIRST PHASE

The first phase of SHRT comprises a 14km light rail project linking Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth, including a tunnel under Portsmouth Harbour and 16 stops along the route. Interchanges will be made with the bus stations in Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth and railway stations at Fareham, Portsmouth Harbour and Portsmouth and Southsea. About 70% of the route is on segregated alignment (disused railway) with the remaining 30% on-street.

An immersed tube tunnel one kilometre in length forms the link across Portsmouth Harbour. The light rail vehicles, with low floor access, will take under 30 minutes to complete the end to end journey with an anticipated frequency of 7 1/2 minutes during the day and 15 minutes in the evening. Provision will be made for a separate cycle shuttle service through the tunnel.

The tunnel under the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour will be constructed in sections and lowered into a trench dredged in the seabed. In addition to being a cost efficient method of constructing the crossing it will allow less deep workings and so enable stops to be built at both Gosport Esplanade and The Hard Interchange in Portsmouth. During construction there will be changes to the way the harbour is used. Consultations have been held with harbour users to find ways of minimising disruption.

FINANCING

Phase 1 of the scheme, between Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham, is being promoted by Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council. The scheme is only likely to be built with significant funding from the private sector, and it is likely that a private sector consortium will operate the tram system for the two authorities.

Funding for the construction of the scheme will primarily be generated through a public / private sector partnership under the Private Finance Initiative. A business case is being prepared for consideration by the DETR and treasury, in a bid to secure the necessary public funding element. A strong business case will attract the interest of the private sector and maximise their contribution to the capital costs.

Following government approval a private sector consortium will be chosen through a competitive process. It is expected to take about 18 months from invitation to tender before contracts are awarded and construction commences.

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