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Fastrack (bus)
Fastrack is the name given to two bus rapid transit schemes in Kent. The original network began on 26 March 2006 in Dartford and Gravesend, part of the Thames Gateway regeneration area, and on 17 November 2024 a separate network was launched in Dover. History Kent ThamesideConstruction work on the Fastrack network in Kent Thameside began on 23 September 2004.[1] The network commenced operations on 26 March 2006 with the introduction of Fastrack B between Temple Hill and Gravesend.[2][3] On 3 June 2007, Fastrack A commenced operations in order to serve the new development at The Bridge in Dartford.[4] The route is part-funded by Prologis, the developers of The Bridge. From 19 November 2007 following the opening of Ebbsfleet International railway station, Fastrack B was diverted to serve the station in order to connect with Eurostar and Southeastern High Speed services.[5] Following the completion of the Everards Link Phase 2 on 10 December 2012, Fastrack B was rerouted via a new section of busway linking Ingress Park with Greenhithe railway station.[6] Fastrack B began serving the whole of the Ingress Park development from 2 September 2018.[7] From 2 August 2020 following the opening of the Springhead Bridge, Fastrack B was rerouted between Ebbsfleet International railway station and Gravesend to serve the new Springhead Park development.[8][9] On 23 August 2021, Fastrack AZ commenced operations in order to serve the Amazon LCY3 distribution centre in Dartford.[10] The route was initially operated by Go-Coach but transferred to Arriva Southern Counties on 3 April 2022 with Fastrack A being modified to serve the LCY3 distribution centre at the same time.[11] DoverConstruction work on the Fastrack system in Dover began in February 2023 and infrastructure works were completed in Summer 2024.[12] The system was launched on 17 November 2024. Route D runs between Dover and Whitfield and is now operated by Stagecoach South East.[13] Current routes The current Fastrack network is formed of six routes, five operated by Go-Ahead London, and one operated by Stagecoach South East.[14][15]
Fares and ticketingThe network is split into three fare zones. Tickets are sold by the driver and from roadside machines, at certain bus stops, to allow for faster boarding. M-tickets, bus tickets on mobile phones, were successfully trialled on 11 February 2008 and are now available across the Arriva bus network.[20][21] VehiclesThe original fleet consisted of 26 Wright Eclipse Urban bodied Volvo B7RLEs. These had audio-visual next stop announcements, air conditioning and CCTV.[3] On 9 August 2015, these were replaced by 21 Wright StreetLites.[22][23] From 21 March to 9 May 2018, Fastrack took part in a trial scheme which saw an additional hourly journey made by an electric Volvo 7900e, with a main charging point installed in the form of a generator at the front of Greenhithe station allowing the bus to fully charge inside six minutes.[24] On 4 August 2019, Arriva Kent Thameside retained the contract to operate the Fastrack B service. As part of this, the 14 Wright StreetLites on the route were replaced with newer Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC vehicles transferred from the Medway area which were refurbished to Fastrack specification. 7 of the Wright StreetLites continued to operate on Fastrack A.[25] Between 23 August 2021 and 3 April 2022, whilst the Fastrack AZ service was operated by Go-Coach, a total of eight Alexander Dennis Enviro400 vehicles worked on the service.[10] When this route was transferred to Arriva Kent Thameside, the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 vehicles were withdrawn and three additional Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC worked on the AZ service. On 10 November 2024, Go-Ahead London took over the Fastrack network in Kent Thameside. By April 2025, a new fleet of 28 Irizar ie tram electric buses will be introduced across the network.[26] In the meantime, the fleet will consist of older buses, specifically Alexander Dennis Enviro200, Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC, Wright Eclipse 2 and Mercedes-Benz Citaro vehicles. See also
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