The feasibility of Derby’s first electric rapid transit (ERT) route will be studied by engineering consultancy, Amey Consulting.
The £11.5m project would see the eRT run through the city centre, said Derby City Council, and link key intra-city destinations and public areas. It described the project as a key investment in revitalising public transport in the city and will include extensive traffic-free routing.
The project is part of a wider joint submission to the UK Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities fund, which is designed to improve connections between major employment sites and promote active travel and public transport.
Councillor Matthew Holmes, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transportation, Derby City Council, said: “The economic benefits will be huge for our city, as this level of investment offers the chance to implement some really exciting changes, bringing mass transit to the city, and creative public transport innovations and transport experiences.
“The ERT will radically improve the connections between where people live, work and study, and provide better access to employment and training, whilst delivering significant reductions in emissions and contribute to the city’s recovery strategy to reboot Derby’s economy after the Covid-19 crisis.”
The study is scheduled to be completed by June 2021.
