12/09/2006

• Stagecoach “frustrated” at “painfully slow” environmental approval process
• Three-week pilot study now planned for spring/summer 2007
• Transport group remains “fully committed” to Kirkcaldy-Portobello link

Stagecoach today (12 September 2006) criticised Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) over a “painfully slow” environmental approval process that has delayed the planned trial of a cross-Forth hovercraft link until spring/summer 2007.

The Perth-based international transport group had hoped to test a 130-passenger craft on a route between Kirkcaldy and Portobello next month.

Stagecoach has spent thousands of pounds on a detailed environmental impact study on the Firth of Forth - an SSI Ramsar-protected site - as required under EU and UK legislation. It has also met with SNH and supplied extensive additional bird life data.

However, Stagecoach has only now received an indication that the trial can proceed following 14 weeks of dialogue with SNH, the statutory agency that needs to approve developments as environmentally sustainable. SNH has also insisted that further bird data is collected from the hovercraft during the trial.

A Stagecoach Group spokesman said: “We are extremely frustrated at the delay in carrying out the hovercraft trial, which has been caused by a painfully slow environmental approval process. Because of these issues, the time window for a trial this year cannot be met.

“Stagecoach has always taken its environmental responsibilities very seriously and we have a good track-record of delivering sustainable public transport services. The technology we are hoping to use is already proven in the UK and United States, with no impact on wildlife and the local environment.

“There is a broad consensus that a cross-Forth link can deliver significant transport, economic and social inclusion benefits and we have had huge support for the project from politicians and the local community.

“It is very disappointing that local people in Fife and Edinburgh, as well as tourists visiting Scotland, will have to wait longer to see this innovative service become a reality because of factors outside our control.”

Scottish-based marine consultant Alistair Macleod has carried out detailed exploratory work on the hovercraft plans on behalf of Stagecoach.

Extensive discussions have taken place with nearly a dozen public and statutory bodies over the past four months in an effort to get the trial underway. Stagecoach commissioned Leith-based consultants Young and Associates to produce a detailed environmental impact report for SNH.

Despite the delay, the Stagecoach spokesman pledged: “We remain fully committed to getting a hovercraft on the water as soon as possible to give people a chance to see what benefits this technology could bring to the region’s public transport system and economy.”

Stagecoach has earmarked for the trial the 28-metre BHT130 hovercraft, manufactured by Isle of Wight-based Hoverwork Limited and incorporating the latest diesel engine technology.

The crossing time between Kirkcaldy and Portobello would be approximately 20 minutes and the craft, with normal operating speeds of around 35 knots, could run in sea conditions with waves of up to two metres.

Stagecoach estimates that running a two-craft operation would cost around £2million a year. Around 9,000 passengers a week - and up to 470,000 passengers a year - would be expected to use the service. While the service would require initial public investment, Stagecoach believes that within a few years passenger volumes could grow to make it commercially sustainable.

ENDS

For further information, please contact: Steve Stewart, Head of Media and Public Affairs, Stagecoach Group, tel: 01738 442111; mobile 07764 774680; or email steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com