Eclipse BRT Scheme wins ICE Award

Tuesday, 10 July 2012

The Eclipse BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Phase 1 scheme Gosport to Fareham has won the sustainability award at the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) South East England Engineering Excellence Awards.

These awards showcase the best of civil engineering across the region each year, with the judges rewarding projects that reflect aspects of the ICE's Global Vision of: 'Civil Engineers at the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise'. Any size or type of project is eligible, from structures, energy and transport, to ground works, restorations and sea defences.

The Eclipse BRT network is a dedicated busway which has brought back into public use a former public transport line in one of the most congested areas of Hampshire. Specially commissioned high quality buses run along this route, providing a reliable journey time for all those travelling to work and areas of education, as well as providing better connections to existing public transport routes to local shops and amenities. The Eclipse BRT network opened earlier this year, and has already seen an increase of 20% in bus patronage in the area.

The Eclipse BRT Scheme has also been shortlisted with First Bus Hampshire and Dorset for the Transport Partnership category in the National Transport Awards.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council and Chairman of Transport for South Hampshire, said: "The Eclipse BRT scheme is an important breakthrough for South Hampshire, and I am delighted that the innovative engineering of this scheme has been recognised by the ICE for the sustainable benefits it will bring to the community for the long term.

"I was also very pleased to hear that the scheme has been shortlisted for the prestigious National Transport Awards, recognising the successful partnership we have with First Bus Hampshire and Dorset in bringing about a viable and reliable public transport alternative in one of the most congested areas of South Hampshire, fit for travel in the 21st century."

The Eclipse BRT network is one of the projects being implemented by Transport for South Hampshire (TfSH), a partnership between Hampshire County Council, and Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils, which aims to improve transport for the area of South Hampshire.

Buses will use the Phase 1 busway for part of their journey with routes extending beyond into the surrounding residential areas, linking to key destinations and transport interchanges at the Gosport Ferry terminal, Fareham railway station and Fareham bus station in Fareham town centre.

TfSH works in partnership with Government, other key public sector bodies and a range of private sector organisations (including transport providers) to identify innovative ways of reducing the need to travel by car, manage demand and make the best use of existing infrastructure and strategic investment in key projects; supporting economic growth and reducing carbon emissions throughout the area.

• Further information about ICE

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