19/06/2007

• Two-week pilot study scheduled for July to test Kirkcaldy-Portobello link
• Regular services and integrated bus links planned to help passengers
• Scottish Executive and SEStran support test of innovative service
• Services to offer public transport option during Forth Bridge closure

Stagecoach today (19 June 2007) confirmed plans for a full passenger trial of a cross-Forth hovercraft link next month.

The Perth-based international transport group will test a hi-tech130-passenger craft on a route between Kirkcaldy and Portobello for two weeks from Monday 16 July to Saturday 28 July.

A total of 22 services a day – 11 in each direction - will operate on the route, with convenient peak-time services and integrated bus links to accommodate commuters looking to avoid congestion on the Forth Road Bridge.

The £300,000 trial will cover part of the period of the Forth Bridge closure, giving commuters a further public transport alternative to the train in addition to existing regular bus services.

Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted that after a huge amount of work, as well as strong support from statutory organisations and the local community, we are now able to get a hovercraft on the water.

"The Forth estuary is an underused resource and we are looking forward to giving people a chance to see the benefits this technology could bring to the region's communities, economy and public transport system. It is crucial we have a wide range of public transport options to cope with the increasing flow of people between Fife and the Edinburgh area."

A 28-metre BHT130 hovercraft, manufactured by Isle of Wight-based Hoverwork Limited and incorporating the latest diesel engine technology, will be used for the trial. The crossing time will be around 20 minutes and the craft, with normal operating speeds of approximately 35 knots, will be able to run in waves of up to two metres.

Passengers will be able to travel for the same price as existing bus fares, with return tickets from £4.50. Stagecoach's existing 6, 6A, 7, X59 and X60 bus services will stop at the Kirkcaldy departure point at the west end of the Esplanade. Link buses will operate from the Portobello landing point at rear of the Lothian Buses depot on the Promenade to both Leith and Edinburgh City Centre. Shuttle buses will also run from Edinburgh City Centre and Leith to the Portobello departure point.

The first service will leave Kirkcaldy at 7.10am, with the last service to Portobello departing at 6pm. Services from Portobello will operate between 7.35am and 6.30pm. No services will operate on Sunday 22 July. Full timetable, fares and bus link information is available on the web at www.stagecoachbus.com/fife/forthfast. Customers can also call 01592 642394 for further information.

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 – are estimated would 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

Marine consultant Alistair Macleod has carried out detailed planning work on the hovercraft project on behalf of Stagecoach, including extensive discussions with public and statutory bodies. Scottish Natural Heritage has approved the pilot project and Stagecoach will be carrying out ongoing environmental impact studies, particularly in relation to bird life, during the two-week trial

The Scottish Executive, SEStran (the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership), and Fife and City of Edinburgh Councils – all of whom have given financial and other support to the project – today welcomed confirmation the trial was to go ahead.

SEStran Chair Councillor Russell Imrie said: "This trial hovercraft service is an example of the sort of creative thinking needed to provide South East Scotland with a 21st century transport system. That's why we are backing it with £92,000 of funding.

"A journey time of 20 minutes, followed by a short bus journey to the centre of Edinburgh, compares well with the time and effort of driving into the city - and doesn't include the added hassle of searching for parking.

"If the trial proves a success, the service could offer an additional travel option to commuters between Fife and Edinburgh that is fast, cheap and reliable. It will also contribute towards meeting SEStran's objectives of reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions in the region."

Councillor Phil Wheeler, Executive Member for Transport, City of Edinburgh Council, and Chair of the Forth Estuary Transport Authority, said: "Millions of people around the world start their working day on a hovercraft or ferry. Providing commuters with innovative and attractive public transport options is critical to ensuring journeys are quick and stress-free, congestion is eased and pollution is cut. This has the potential to be a popular alternative to car journeys and ease growing pressures on the Forth Road Bridge."

Councillor Tony Martin, chair of Fife Council's Environment and Transportation Committee said: "We support this trial. Hopefully, people will be able to use the hovercraft for both leisure and business purposes. Anything that reduces the need for car travel is to be welcomed. I am sure everyone will want the trial to be successful."

ENDS

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