Independent Councillor Joe Kelly, has said the decision to take the electric bus off the plans for the North Quays is “a huge mistake.”
The BAM Website still describes the electric shuttle bus as part of the North Quays offering, saying: ‘This 207m long sustainable transport bridge will give priority to pedestrians and cyclists. The centre span will open to allow river traffic to pass through, and a new driverless electric shuttle bus between the city centre and North Quays will use the bridge.’
Despite this, councillors were informed last autumn that the bus is no longer included in the plans, with reports suggesting that this was due to the change in developer, as Harcourt Developments took over from the Alhokair Group.
Cllr. Kelly was scathing in his remarks about the change.
“The famous electric bus that is supposed to be on the so-called sustainable transport bridge,” Cllr. Kelly said.
“I’m wondering if [Director of Services] Michael Quinn has any update from the National Transport Authority because there was a suggestion to go back to them to reconsider the position,” Cllr. Kelly said.
“I think for such a valuable bridge and the traffic situation, it [the electric bus] would be vital to bring people across from the new station to the City and vice-versa, without them having to walk in horrendous weather conditions across the bridge,” he said.
“Also,” continued Cllr. Kelly. “I think taking that bus off was a huge mistake. It was one of the selling points of the whole thing when we were coming up with that new bridge. It is just so short-sighted it is beyond words really.”
In response, Director of Services for Economic Development, Michael Quinn said: “I still have not received the report form the NTA on the shuttle bus. I have had a discussion with them about it, but I haven’t received the final report”.
“At this stage I thought we would have it, but as soon as it is available we will share it,” Mr. Quinn assured.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
AARON KENT
