Member Article

Desire for StreetCar tested in North East

People in the North East are to be among the first in the country to trial a new form of public transport. Regional bus operator Go North East is to pilot a new StreetCar vehicle for two weeks from 28 May. Designed to look like a modern tram, the StreetCar aims to bridge the gap between buses and trams, operating on rubber wheels on dedicated road space in congested areas. It will run on the same route as Go North East’s Centrelink service between MetroCentre and Gateshead, taking advantage of existing bus priority lanes.

Martin Harris, commercial director at Go North East, said: “We’re excited about testing StreetCar. It offers a sophisticated mode of transport that has the potential to provide a high quality alternative for car users on some routes. “The technology is excellent, combining the best of the bus and the tram. It has an attractive tram-like exterior and right of way on busy sections of road at the same time as the flexibility of a bus. “We want to encourage more people to use public transport and StreetCar can help to do this by raising standards of customer service to new levels.”

StreetCar has a low floor for easier access and a ramp for wheelchair users. Passengers have a choice of conventional seating, a lounge-style area at the rear or ‘perches’ providing support for standing travellers. Noise absorption material throughout the vehicle provides sound-proofing for both passengers and drivers. The vehicles are also fitted with anti-pollution measures to keep carbon emissions to a minimum.

For more information on the StreetCar trial visit www.simplygo.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .