New Cambridge busway suggested

A busway between Cambourne and Cambridge has been suggested by The Greater Cambridge City Deal, an agreement set up between a partnership of local organisations and Central Government. The largely off road bus route could reduce current bus journey times to just 28 minutes between Cambourne and Cambridge. It would also provide a cycleway and path along its length and an additional Park and Ride site close to the Madingley Mulch roundabout. Similar to the popular St Ives to Cambridge Guided Busway, but not on guided rails, The Greater Cambridge Deal envisions it would offer fast, frequent bus travel for communities to the west of the city. The recommended route has three segments: Cambourne to Madingley Mulch roundabout, Madingley Mulch to M11 and the M11 to Cambridge.

An amended option designed to minimise the visual and environmental impact of an off-road bus route on local communities has been put forward, with the potential to connect to the city via West Cambridge. The scheme, which focuses on the A428/A1303 routes into Cambridge, is one of a number of transport projects identified for priority investment by the Greater Cambridge City Deal to support existing and future growth over the coming decades. A new bus route is expected to improve public transport, cycling and walking journeys from the west. It is estimated to cost £141.8m and is anticipated to unlock more new housing, jobs and investment opportunities estimated at £679m over a 30 year period, as well as offering the fastest estimated bus journey times. The next stage of work will assess different routes within the ‘catchment area’, which will then be shared with the public at the next round of public consultation, before selecting a final definitive route.