Council explores possible seaside town tram network

A council is exploring the possibility of introducing trams as part of a long-term plan to reduce reliance on cars and buses.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is looking at a potential tram or ultra-light rail network linking major destinations across the area as part of a 15-year transport strategy, with a goal of delivering mass transit by 2041.

Councillor Andy Hadley said no commitments had been made as the plans require capital investment but said it was "certainly something we have the ambition and hope to see happen one day".

He suggested a route linking Bournemouth town centre, the football stadium, hospital, Castlepoint shopping centre and the airport.

Hadley, the cabinet member for climate response, environment and energy, said it could follow the M1 and M2 Morebus routes, providing an alternative mode of transport to cars, buses and trains.

He said: "Rather than having a bus every five minutes, you could have a tram with much greater capacity and avoid buses running nose to tail.

"I think that is where light rail can be transformative."

BCP Council previously operated a tram system between 1901 and 1935, running from Poole Quay to Christchurch Quay, and Hadley said he believes the region is "one of the largest places that doesn't have a light rail".

He acknowledged that space constraints across the conurbation could present challenges, adding that integrated ticketing and timetabling would be key to making the system work.

Hadley added: "Most towns and cities with light rail have sections that run on roads alongside traffic and dedicated sections that are separate from it.

"In our area, we've made use of former railway lines as walking and cycling routes, but you could imagine a tram running along some of those corridors.

"That could provide a route away from traffic without causing disruption to existing roads."