Dear Cambourne to Cambridge LLF Member,

I am writing in my capacity as Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) to update on the Cambourne to Cambridge Public Transport route, a major project for the GCP and the region.

This transformative scheme will support economic growth in Greater Cambridge, connecting expanding and new communities west of the city with jobs, services and other opportunities. The route must form part of a wider, sustainable transport network and be designed to be ready to meet both current and future demands, and tackle the heavy and worsening congestion on the A428 and A1303 into Cambridge. What’s required to do all that is a new public transport route, bypassing other road traffic and served by modern, low-emission vehicles, with provision for walking and cycling.

Following two rounds of public consultation, in 2015 and 2017, and extensive and ongoing assessment, a route travelling off-road between Madingley Mulch and Grange Road remains the GCP’s preferred option. The Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority requested a pause in May 2018 whilst an independent review considered plans for an off-road eastern section of the route, in light of future plans for a Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM). This review was published in October and confirmed that the GCP’s assessment of the recommended route was robust and aligned with plans for a future CAM.

Proposed options for Phase 2 of the route - west of Madingley Mulch roundabout to Cambourne - will be published for public consultation in February 2019. Thereafter, assessment and planning will continue toward an Outline Business Case in the Autumn. This will present to the GCP Board a single, end-to-end route that is shown to be the best option to meet the needs of Greater Cambridge now and in the future. It is at this point that a final decision for the whole route will be taken.

The GCP team remains committed to updating and involving stakeholders as plans develop. This December 2018 Project Update, available via the GCP website, shares a summary of progress, stakeholder engagement and route assessment, as presented in the recent GCP Board on 6th December. More detailed information can also be found on the GCP website - www.greatercambridge.org.uk

Providing the public transport that west of Cambridge needs, both now and in the future, is a priority for the GCP and the region. All comment and feedback from residents, businesses and institutions in Greater Cambridge is vital to help shape plans, so please do continue to engage and share views.

Yours faithfully,

Councillor Lewis Herbert
GCP Chair & Leader Cambridge City Council