Kent Thameside Fastrack 2022

This PIN provides notice of a future opportunity to operate the premium Fastrack Bus Rapid Transit network in the Dartford and Gravesend area for Kent County Council. Fastrack has operated successfully since 2006 and is a key element of the substantial developments being constructed in Kent Thameside. The developments are designed to be served by sustainable transport modes and, without Fastrack, it is forecast that there would be significant additional traffic congestion on the local road network. Fastrack is therefore vital in increasing the modal share between public and private transport. Currently at 22 per cent, our mode share goal is to be at 25 per cent by 2025/26. In 2022, the network reaches a critical point where the planned opening of the Fastrack tunnel between Bluewater and Whitecliffe (Eastern Quarry) prompts the opportunity for Fastrack to expand to serve the new sites effectively. The Council therefore intends to hold a competitive tendering process during 2021 for a new contract incorporating an extended service A and the current route B. There are also plans for further expansions to these services during the life of the contract as the development sites proceed. A new route C is also in development. From April 1st, 2022, it is anticipated that this new contract will run for 8 years, subject to periodic KPIs being met. Future phases of the network will have the provision to be awarded without retendering, subject to meeting performance criteria