Rapid transit vehicle visits Hartham

A rapid transit demonstration vehicle visited Hartham Common yesterday as part of a promotional tour for the Herts & Essex Rapid Transit project (HERT).

The Irizar ie-tram is part to the county council's plan to introduce a rapid transit system along the A414 corridor to improve east/west public transport in the county.

The electric vehicle can carry up to 140 passengers and will eventually run between Hemel Hempstead and Harlow.

The project is part of wider plans to expand and improve public transport options to provide reliable and affordable alternatives to the car, reducing reliance on private vehicles.

The County Council are currently drawing up designs to improve bus priority on the highway and create mobility hubs at key interchange locations for current and future congestion hot spots, focussing on areas which would benefit existing local bus services along the proposed HERT route.

Mobility hubs will be located at major stops and key transport interchanges along the HERT route, including train stations, helping to revitalise towns and strengthen local connections.

The project is also part of a wider strategy to help address the impact of over 50,000 new homes being built along the A414 corridor.