Tag: public transport

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Combined Authority announces launch date for bus franchising consultation

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) has announced the launch date for its formal bus franchising consultation.   From Wednesday 14th August, everyone is being invited to have their say on the potential pathways for improving bus services for local communities.   The franchising consultation will take place online and in person (via a series of drop-in […]

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More than 17,000 under 25s apply for Tiger bus passes offering £1 fares

More than 17,000 young people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have now applied for new bus passes offering fares for just £1.  Since launch by the Combined Authority in May, Tiger bus passes are already making a big impact, with 15,821 in the hands of under 25s so far. According to the latest figures, 12,200 journeys […]

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Statement from Mayor, Dr Nik Johnson: Ongoing bus service improvements with Whippet

The below is a statement by Mayor, Dr Nik Johnson, on the ongoing bus service improvements which Whippet are implementing following a meeting with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Dr Nik Johnson, said:  “I have been consistent in our ambition to deliver a reformed bus network in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. A bus network that is sustainable and […]

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Mayor Dr Nik Johnson’s letter to Transport Minister, Mark Harper, to push for further details on Ely Junction, A10 and A1139

Dear Secretary of State,  I am writing to follow up on the Prime Ministers Network North announcements regarding A10 and A1139 improvements and Ely Area Capacity Enhancements at Conservative Party Conference.   Such news has been met warmly by residents in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and I am keen to understand the wider details around these welcome […]

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Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s joint statement regarding the Number 18 bus route

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson and Councillor Anna Smith, Deputy Mayor, have released a joint statement following complaints received about the Number 18 bus route, operated by Whippet. They said: “The number 18 bus route is a vital link between St Neots and Cambridge. People in communities along the route depend upon this service to go […]

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Open Letter from Mayor Dr Nik Johnson to Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald and Paul Bristow MP

The below is a letter from Mayor Dr Nik Johnson to Peterborough City Council Leader, Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald and local MP Paul Bristow. Dear Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald and Paul Bristow MP, I’m writing to clarify the misleading rumors that have swirled around Peterborough City of late. Despite multiple attempts to clarify privately, in the press, […]

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Mayor and deputy Mayor work on restoring vital bus routes after visiting Wittering, Castor, Ailsworth and Wansford

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson and Deputy Mayor Anna Smith have put forward proposals to restore a key bus route in Wittering after visiting Wittering and the surrounding villages and witnessing first-hand the importance of the bus route in that area. Mayor Dr Nik Johnson and Deputy Mayor Anna Smith, on a separate visit, were taken […]

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Mayor joins accessibility campaigners on Ely station

‘See differently’ urges the UK’s major campaigning charity for blind and partially sighted people and that’s what Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Mayor Dr Nik Johnson did when he joined Royal National Institute for Blind People at Ely Railway Station to glimpse something of the challenge they face. In the latest move by the Combined Authority to […]

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Bus Service 18 bus helping students get to college on time

From 4th September onwards, students from St Neots will be able to use the number 18 bus to travel to college after the Authority worked with Whippet to change the timetabling. A group of 20 parents who live in St Neots, whose children either attend Cambourne Village College, or will be attending soon, wrote to […]

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Families enjoy summer day out thanks to Ting

THIRTY residents, including families, from Love’s Farm community association in St Neots travelled from their home by Ting to Paxton Pits Nature Reserve for a day out, organised by Cllr Lara Davenport-Ray. The event was funded by the HDC Health Inequalities Project with the aim to get residents of Love’s Farm, and in particular families […]

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Mayor Dr Nik Johnson: Statement on the next steps for bus reform

The below is a statement by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson on the future of buses in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and the work the Combined Authority is doing with partners to reform the network. “Better bus services across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are vital to the future of our region. As Mayor, it’s clear to me that […]

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Huge majority vote Ting!

A survey of 296 people who have used Ting found that 94 per cent preferred the taxi style service to regular bus services. Of the people surveyed, a higher percentage of young people, aged under 20, used Ting compared to regular buses, 20 per cent for Ting compared to just 3 per cent for regular […]

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Next Stop Summer! Combined Authority and the National Trust launch green tourism campaign

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is collaborating with the National Trust to encourage more people to use buses to visit the region’s many great tourist and leisure spots this summer while most journeys are just £2. To mark the beginning of the campaign, Mayor Nik Johnson travelled by bus today from Huntingdon Bus Station […]

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Combined Authority announce new minibus link for people travelling between Thorney and Eye

From Monday 31 July, the existing 36 bus route run by Stagecoach will be replaced by a minibus service 36 run by FACT Community Transport on behalf of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. The timetable has been designed to ensure that residents will still be able to travel between Eye and Thorney to access […]

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Ticket office closure consultation

Following calls from Mayors across the Country, the consultation into the plan to close hundreds of ticket offices in England has been extended until 1 September. Reacting to this announcement, Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said: “I welcome the decision from the Rail Delivery Group to extend the consultation period by almost six weeks. However, I […]

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Combined Authority tendering for mini-bus as temporary replacement for 36 bus service

Following the withdrawal of the 36 bus route, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is going out to tender for a mini-bus to run between Eye and Thorney. The mini-bus is expected to be a temporary measure as a longer-term solution is found with operators. Mayor Nik Johnson said:   “We are going out to tender […]

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Mayor Dr Nik Johnson statement: Route 36 Bus Service

The below is a statement by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson on the future of the Route 36 bus service and the work being done to mitigate the impact of the changes:  Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said: “Ever since Stagecoach made the Combined Authority aware on 18th May 2023 that they were making changes to their Peterborough […]

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The Six District Challenge – Completed!

On Monday 12th June 2023, Mayor Nik Johnson took part in the Six District Challenge, which involved getting around each of the six districts in Cambridgeshire, within 24 hours, using only public transport and active travel routes. With no prior plan on which routes to take, the Challenge was a unique opportunity to celebrate the […]

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Mayor hosts roundtable as accessibility champions provide transport advice

A good turnout of accessibility champions joined the Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough this week at a roundtable to help shape the Combined Authority’s work for inclusive transport that matches the needs and aspirations of people of every age and ability. In the run-up to Better Transport Week, of which the Combined Authority is a […]

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Better Transport: Mayor takes on the Six District Challenge

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority will be supporting Better Transport Week by taking on his own Six District Challenge on Monday 12th June, 2023. The Six District Challenge involves getting around each of the six districts in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, within 24 hours, using only public transport and active travel […]

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Cambridge South a concrete reality as Minister announces full funding

Years of campaigning by the Combined Authority and others for a new station at Cambridge South paid off today when the rail minister, Huw Merriman, visited the site to announce £211 million from the Government to get the station into service by 2025. Work is already well under way on the Cambridge South Infrastructure Enhancements […]

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Mayor Dr Nik Johnson’s statement regarding East-West Rail announcement

The news that the government has given the green light to the next stage of the East-West Rail project, which will connect Cambridge, and the whole of Cambridgeshire, with Oxford is most welcome. We’ve been waiting a long while for this announcement. I whole heartedly agree, we do need better east-west rail links for the region. It […]

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Government awards Cambridgeshire and Peterborough £2.3 million for bus reform and extends £2 fares to the autumn

The government has announced Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will receive £2.3 million to continue work on improving the bus network.  The Department of Transport is also extending its scheme to cap the maximum adult single bus ticket at just £2 – instead of ending at the end of June, this offer, across all English bus routes, […]

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Combined Authority Board agree the full business case for the Transport Model

At the Combined Authority meeting on 22 March, the full business case for the Transport Model, including the timeline for its future arrangements and delivery, was unanimously approved. In addition, the drawdown of £1.721m allocated within the Medium-Term Financial Plan was agreed for the delivery of the model. The aim of the Transport Model is […]

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Combined Authority Board agrees to enter into option agreement to acquire a potential site for the Peterborough bus depot

The Combined Authority Board has agreed to enter into an option agreement to secure the contractual ability to acquire a site in Peterborough with potential to serve as a bus depot. The Combined Authority will now continue to work with Peterborough City Council to identify and deliver a new depot facility. This comes after the […]

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Combined Authority committee keeps options open for Wisbech rail

Getting Wisbech better-connected came closer today when the Combined Authority’s transport and infrastructure committee decided to move forward with an Options Assessment Report analysing the costs and benefits of different types of connection. The options to be looked at will include both light and heavy rail modes and would centre on a service initially operating […]

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Mayor opens redeveloped March railway station

Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson has officially opened the newly developed March Railway Station and its upgraded bike and car park at a ceremony in the refurbished Platform 1 Building.  Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Colonel Mark Knight MBE, Cllr Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council’s  transport lead and Chairman of the Fenland Stations […]

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Combined Authority Board may push ahead St Ives and A141

At the March meeting of the Board of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Members will be asked to approve the drawdown of £2.3 million to get work started on the St Ives Local Improvement Schemes. Following updates on the progress of the St Ives Local Improvements Study and the A141 and St Ives Outline […]

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Wisbech Tesco bus funding approved to keep service 68 running

Funding has been approved for the Wisbech Tesco bus route 68 to temporarily continue its service. £15,000 from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority will extend the bus service for six months from March 31st until further review. Initially, the funding for the service was provided through Section 106 developer’s money. Since then, the Combined […]

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March plans surge ahead thanks to unanimous vote by Combined Authority

Uniting in support of the collaborative work under way to make life better for people in the Fenland market town of March, the cross-party Board of the Combined Authority today approved the drawdown of £1.51 million to push March’s transport plans forward to detailed design.  In the unanimous vote, following recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Transport & […]

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Still time for public to have say on region’s transport future

There is still time for people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to have their say on the region’s transport future. A refresh of the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) – the strategy for making transport in the region better – is currently taking place As part of that, an initial four-week public engagement on the […]

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Aerial footage captures initial stages of railway station development work

A bird’s eye view of two exciting railway developments in the Fens has been captured on video thanks to new drone footage at March and Manea stations.  Aerial Cam has filmed the early stages of works being carried out as part of a multi-million pound regeneration of Fenland’s railway stations which is pushing forward with major improvements on the Hereward Line between Ely and Peterborough.   To view the footage, […]

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March plans can move forward thanks to unanimous vote by Combined Authority transport group

Showing their wholehearted approval of the collaborative work under way to make life better for people in the Fenland market town of March, the Combined Authority’s transport group this week recommended the drawdown of £1.51 million to push plans on to detailed design. In the unanimous vote, members of the Transport & Infrastructure Committee noted […]

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Cambridge gets green ticket for zebras

Cambridge residents will soon start to see the benefits of 30 new zero emission buses to be rolled out across the city. The announcement was made by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of the Budget and Spending Review in Parliament yesterday (27 October). Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority and the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) received […]

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Launch of a new, on-demand bus service for the western part of Huntingdonshire

TING, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority’s new on-demand service, to support rural communities across the western part of Huntingdonshire, goes into operation today (25 October). The new ‘Uber’ style bus service, which is being operated in the area by Stagecoach East, is a great way to get about in West Huntingdonshire without having to rely […]

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Combined Authority Board is recommended to green light public engagement on region’s transport future

The Combined Authority Board will next week be recommended to approve launching an initial public engagement on a refreshed plan for the region’s transport future. Work is ongoing to revamp the Local Transport Plan, first adopted in 2020. The renamed Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) will aim to meet a range of challenges including on […]

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TING, it’s new people-friendly transport service for the western part of Huntingdonshire

TING, it’s the new people-friendly transport service for the western part of Huntingdonshire Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority have today (6 October) shared its plans for a new, more people-friendly transport service to support rural communities across the western part of Huntingdonshire. Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, joined councillors and representatives from […]

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Combined Authority throws its weight behind Cambridge South

The Board of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority today threw its weight behind the development of Cambridge South rail station with a unanimous vote to allow Network Rail to hang on to savings made on planning to put toward future work. Development of the Cambridge South station remains on time and on budget, with a […]

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Contractors uncover ‘hidden treasure’ during Combined Authority’s revamp of March rail station

Contractors carrying out improvements at March rail station have unearthed an ancient ticket ledger from when the station first opened over 130 years ago.  The ledger, dated April 1885, contains carefully hand-written entries of all the passenger luggage and parcels sent from the station, providing a unique record of daily life in the area in […]

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Revamped Local Transport Plan to consider improvement to digital infrastructure

A bold plan to bring together Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s transport and digital infrastructure, to provide for better connectivity in a clean and green refresh of the Local Transport Plan, has been approved. Making explicit the Combined Authority’s commitment to deliver truly integrated connectivity to all communities with a drive towards a net zero carbon future, […]

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So far, Soham good for station opening in December

Network Rail has successfully completed a key milestone in the development of the new railway station for Soham which will pave the way for trains to start to call at the station from December 2021.   Over the August bank holiday weekend, the developing station at Soham was connected to the wider signalling network. This is […]

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Peterborough and March receive money from Combined Authority

Members of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Board backed the recommendation by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson that a £350,000 drawdown is given to further develop transformational plans for the Peterborough Railway Station Quarter. The drawdown, from the Transport Response Fund, is for the development of a Strategic Outline Business Case. Members were also asked […]

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Zebras take one step closer to becoming a reality in Cambridge

Zebras quietly moving around central Cambridge is certainly the ambition of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority as it delivered its business case for funding to support a new Zero Emission Buses Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme for Cambridge to the Department for Transport (DfT) on 20 August.  Following an expression of interest to DfT earlier this year, the Combined Authority has been invited to submit a business case to support its bid for funds as part of the ZEBRA scheme for 2021-2022.  If successful, it will help fund 30 […]

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Mayor’s ‘Net Zero’ call to action puts the Bus into Business

Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson, in collaboration with Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council, this week steps up with a team of ‘carbon zero heroes’ to call on Cambridgeshire businesses to learn from each other how to work smarter in cutting their carbon output.   Joining a distinguished line-up of some of […]

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Putting compassion, co-operation and community at the heart of reinvented transport strategy

Prioritising left behind communities, tackling inequalities and accelerating carbon reduction will form part of a renewed strategy for better transport across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. At its meeting on July 28, the Combined Authority Board agreed to proceed with a reinvention of the transport strategy in the region through a revamped Local Transport Plan (LTP). An […]

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Statement following confirmation that Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority are one of six local authorities who have made it through to phase 2 of Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme 2021-2022

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “I’m delighted to be put through to the next round of this competition to win funds for up to 30 Zero Emission Buses for the region. “As the local transport authority, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has a duty to tackled poor air quality and as […]

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East West Rail challenged on environment, economy, electrification and community impact in consultation reply

Electrification of the line from day one, more evidence on the preferred approach into Cambridge, more ambition on the environment, and minimising impacts on communities have formed part of the Combined Authority’s East West Rail (EWR) consultation response. The Combined Authority Board approved the response at its meeting on Wednesday (June 30). As part of […]

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Cambridge South station takes a step towards reality

Network Rail has submitted a Transport and Works Act order (TWAO) application to seek deemed planning permission to build the new station and associated infrastructure which will serve the southern fringe of Cambridge and the biomedical campus.  Following two rounds of consultation in 2020 to select the location of the station and seek views on […]

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Statement for the Mayor regarding bus services across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

The loss of the X5 bus service was a real blow for the residents of St Neots, so I was delighted when I had the opportunity earlier this week to meet with Stagecoach East to raise this as an issue along with other local transport challenges faced by residents and business across the region.  I welcome the changes to the Cambridgeshire timetables […]

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Potential for Peterborough, Chatteris and Ramsey CAM extensions to be developed as part of project’s next steps

Realising CAM’s potential as a truly regionwide network, with flexibility to extend across the whole of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, is set to form a key part of the project’s next steps. Potential extensions to Peterborough, Chatteris and Ramsey will be worked on, alongside the CAM routes as currently proposed, in the project’s next business case […]

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Transport committee hail Network Rail partnership for Wisbech-Cambridge

Transport committee members hail Network Rail partnership to bring Wisbech-Cambridge rail nearer    James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, has secured a powerful new partnership with Network Rail which can push Wisbech rail plans forward on the back of work to free up the Ely rail bottleneck. Steve Barclay, Member of Parliament for North […]

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Progress for transport upgrades for ARU Peterborough on Fengate

Fengate Phase 2 University Access Moves Forward for ARU Peterborough Plans to get ARU Peterborough up and running came closer today when the Transport and Infrastructure committee of the Combined Authority approved the Strategic Outline Business Case – SOBC – for Fengate Phase 2 University Access. Members were given a summary of the outcome of […]

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New faster bus service linking March and St Ives is set to provide a welcomed transport alternative for residents living in March, Wimblington, Chatteris and Warboys.

The long-awaited trial of the V2 (Villager 2) bus service linking March and St Ives, which is due to start on 1 March 2021, is the latest of Mayor James Palmer’s commitment to provide alternative ways to travel across Cambridgeshire without needing to use a car.  Operators Stagecoach, will provide four round trips during the day, linking March, Wimblington, Chatteris and Warboys to St […]

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New orbital bus service linking Serpentine Green, the Hamptons and the Ortons to the City Hospital is set to provide a welcomed alternative for Peterborough residents.

The new 12-month trial of Orbital Bus Service 29, which is due to start on 1 March 2021, is the latest of Mayor James Palmer’s commitments to provide alternative ways to travel across the city without using the car.  Operated by Stagecoach, the bus service, will run from Monday to Saturday between Serpentine Green, through the Hamptons and the Ortons then non-stop to Peterborough City Hospital. Six round trips will be provided each day between 9am and 3pm with hourly intervals.   Normal Stagecoach fares apply, including the acceptance of all bus passes.  Buses currently run from the Hamptons & the Ortons to Peterborough City Centre. There is also a frequent bus timetable from the […]

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Mayor joins new 8-car Fen Line train that doubles seats for Cambridge, Ely, Littleport and Waterbeach passengers

Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, James Palmer, today joined passengers between Cambridge and King’s Lynn at the launch of the new double-length service that will boost seats on Fen Line trains from this Sunday 13 December. The first all-stations eight-carriage train did a run from Cambridge to King’s Lynn and back to the delight of […]

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Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority mastermind ‘Trojan Bus’ to help police catch bus vandals

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, led by Mayor James Palmer, worked with Stagecoach and Cambridgeshire police to bring about the arrests of people vandalising buses in Cambridge, by masterminding the idea of a ‘Trojan Bus’, a normal bus running not in service containing plain clothes police offers, able to draw up alongside people unnoticed.   After reports […]

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Ambitious CAM mission strategy wins backing of Combined Authority’s transport committee

A refreshed document setting out the bold strategic vision for the trailblazing Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro has passed a key stage for full adoption by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. The CAM Sub-Strategy is one of the ‘daughter’ documents of the Mayoral Combined Authority’s adopted Local Transport Plan and describes the economic, social and environmental […]

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Mayor seeks ‘people-centred’ and integrated Cambridge South hub as Network Rail launches consultation 2nd round

As the new Cambridge South station comes closer with today’s launch of the second round of public consultation, Mayor James Palmer has welcomed Network Rail’s stepped-up delivery date while issuing strong warnings on service provision. Mayor Palmer, who leads Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, a major funder of the new station, has always insisted that […]

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Combined Authority pledges to work with Greater Cambridge Partnership

The Greater Cambridge Partnership and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority have pledged to work together to tackle the transport issues facing the area and implement the policies set out in the Combined Authority’s Local Transport Plan. James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough accepted the GCP Executive Board’s offer to join the Board as […]

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Internationally renowned tunnel engineer Lord Mair appointed chair CAM delivery company

Renowned civil engineer Lord Robert Mair CBE, recognised internationally as an authority on major infrastructure projects involving tunnelling, has been appointed chair of the delivery company for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM). The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority today (September 30, 2020) approved a recommendation to make Lord Mair board chair of the CAM special […]

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Round 2 consultation brings Cambridge South station nearer

The much-needed Cambridge South station has taken another step forward as Network Rail says it will launch the second round of public consultation in October. Following June’s announcement of the preferred site, the latest phase of the consultation is scheduled to start on 19 October, welcoming people’s views on the next stages of the railway […]

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Mayor James Palmer challenges brightest and best to deliver conceptual designs for pioneering Metro scheme

Some of the best brains in engineering, science, tech and digital are being challenged to shape the future of the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) by developing conceptual designs for the vehicle, its infrastructure and how the system might operate. The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is testing the market for existing and potential technologies, innovations, […]

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Globally renowned expert on tunnel engineering, Lord Mair, recommended to chair CAM delivery company

Lord Robert Mair CBE, a renowned civil engineer recognised internationally as an authority on major infrastructure projects involving tunnelling, has been recommended for the role of chair of the delivery company for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM). Lord Mair’s career has combined work as a leading academic at the University of Cambridge with providing cutting-edge […]

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New bus service linking Bedford to Cambridge through Cambourne carried over a thousand passengers in first two weeks of operation

The new 905 bus service commissioned by Mayor James Palmer, which provides a long needed public transport option to those commuting between Cambourne and Cambridge Science Park, has carried over a thousand passengers in its first two weeks of operation. Almost half of these boarding’s (475) were in Cambourne, demonstrating why it was important for […]

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Mayor urges Ely communities to have their say on long-awaited rail improvement plan

The notorious rail bottleneck at Ely is at last subject of improvement proposals following hard lobbying by the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough James Palmer, and many concerned MPs, including Steve Barclay, Paul Bristow, and Liz Truss. On top of the £9.3 million from the Mayoral Combined Authority and other funding partners – New Anglia […]

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Mayor wins back ‘lifeline’ Fen services after train chiefs cave in

In a surprise U-turn following a meeting with Mayor James Palmer, train operator CrossCountry has announced it is reinstating the stops at Manea and Whittlesea stations which it axed last week. The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough met company bosses on Friday to denounce the cuts CrossCountry had made on the Peterborough-Cambridge line – cuts which had a devastating impact on children and commuters struggling in the face of Covid to return to classroom and workplace.    Mayor Palmer was […]

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We must use our public transport networks – or risk losing them

As we usher in a new season, it is great to see so many of us have returned to the office and children to school. In my office we are mostly back and enjoying a new kind of normal, catching up after a long period of working primarily from home. It is also encouraging to […]

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Mayor says Covid must not be used as an excuse to cut Fenland ‘lifeline’ services

The train operator Cross Country has decided to stop its services halting at Whittlesea, March and Manea, blaming a resource issue. Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority officers have engaged with Network Rail and Department for Transport officials over the past week over the Cross Country cuts and will continue to engage with these teams to find solutions to ensure long-term […]

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Mayor Palmer to take seat on GCP Board to secure breakthrough in joined-up CAM working

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough James Palmer has said he intends to take up a position as a non-voting member of Greater Cambridge Partnership’s (GCP) Executive Board, to help drive forward a joined-up ‘One CAM’ approach to delivering the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM). Mayor Palmer has said a One CAM strategy, which brings together the […]

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More seats, more carriages, and longer trains for Fen Line passengers

Over the August Bank Holiday, Network Rail completed the final section of infrastructure works on the £29 million upgrade of the rail line between Cambridge and King’s Lynn.   Over the last 11 months, works championed by Mayor James Palmer and funded by the Department for Transport have delivered a new siding outside King’s Lynn station, and lengthened platforms at Littleport […]

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Mayor delivers on promise of new bus routes to link Cambourne to Cambridge

Earlier this year, James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough gave a commitment to provide new bus services from Cambourne to major traffic generators such as the Science Park and the BioMedical Campus. Following on from this decision and in close collaboration with local councillors, two new bus services have been procured to improve bus […]

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Mayor welcomes public consultation for Ely North upgrade plans

Following regular discussions and lobbying from Mayor James Palmer and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Network Rail has announced it will begin the first phase of public consultation for proposals to upgrade the railway in and around Ely on 21 September. Phase 1 will run for six weeks. The Ely Area Capacity Enhancement programme […]

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Leader in major infrastructure delivery, Simon Wright OBE, appointed to help drive forward CAM

Simon Wright OBE, a civil engineer and senior executive with more than 40 years’ experience delivering multi-billion pound infrastructure programmes, has been appointed to support the development of the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM). Working on a part-time consultancy basis, Mr Wright joins the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority at an important phase. He will provide […]

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Contract awarded to build Soham station

Network Rail has awarded the contract to build Soham’s new railway station to J Murphy & Sons Ltd.   Having been without a rail connection for almost 55 years, the contract will deliver a new station for Soham, providing the community with more transport choices to local destinations and support more investment as part of […]

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Mayor James Palmer says promoter company formation would see start of ‘exciting new phase’ for metro scheme

Mayor James Palmer has said a proposal to form a new, separate company charged with leading the delivery of the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) as one joined-up scheme represents the start of an exciting new phase of the project. At its August 5 meeting, The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Board will be recommended to […]

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Mayor James Palmer tours Cambridge City and St Ives with Stagecoach to see extra steps in place to ensure safe bus travel

Mayor James Palmer tours Cambridge City and St Ives with Stagecoach to see extra steps in place to ensure safe bus travel Bus travel continues to be a safe and convenient way to travel to work and for leisure Customers urged to follow the new government regulations on face coverings, which are mandatory on all public […]

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‘Capital of the Fens’ back on track? Mayor’s plan for Wisbech rail gets green flag

In a historic vote, the business case for re-opening the Wisbech rail link was this week approved by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. The Transport and Infrastructure Committee was asked to accept the conclusions of the Full Business Case – the FBC –  that restoring a heavy rail link between Wisbech and Cambridge would […]

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Mayor says C2C report can be catalyst for joined-up working with GCP on ‘One CAM’ approach

At yesterday’s (July 8) Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Transport and Infrastructure Committee meeting, members voted to approve to release to the Greater Cambridge Partnership, for their review and consideration, an independent report into their current Cambourne to Cambridge busway proposal, which found it does not align with the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro Sub Strategy. James […]

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Boost for rail commuters as station car park plans forge ahead

Plans to create new car parks at Manea and Whittlesea railway stations have moved ahead with the appointment of a specialist contractor to develop the schemes. The new car parks are among the raft of improvements for Fenland stations being delivered through Fenland District Council’s Railway Station Masterplans scheme, funded by £9.5 million from the […]

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Mayor meets Minister to discuss restoring Wisbech rail link

Ahead of the next week’s meeting of the Combined Authority’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee, Mayor James Palmer met the rail minister, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, to discuss the case for reconnecting Wisbech to the rail network. “It was a very positive meeting. The Minister is fully cognisant of both the needs and opportunities of our rail […]

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Mayor Palmer says non-alignment of C2C scheme an example of need for ‘One CAM’ approach to delivery of metro system

Mayor James Palmer has said findings which show the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s current Cambourne to Cambridge (C2C) busway scheme does not align with plans for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) is more evidence of the need for a joined-up approach. Earlier in June, Mayor Palmer called for a ‘One CAM’ approach to delivering the metro […]

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Green light for Soham station

Proposals to build a new station for Soham were confirmed by East Cambridgeshire District Council on Friday 26 June 2020, giving the go-ahead for the new station to be built. Working in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, led by Mayor James Palmer, which has provided the necessary funding to build the station, […]

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Mayor welcomes selection of Cambridge South station preferred location

Network Rail has identified the preferred location of the proposed new railway station for Cambridge South. The chosen location corresponds with Option 1 presented to the public earlier this year and follows a review of engineering and design information together with the results of public consultation. James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, […]

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Last chance to have your say on a better future for March

Time is running short for people to make their voices heard on a better future for March. Those who live, work or regularly visit March are encouraged to enter an innovative virtual consultation room to give their views on ways to tackle congestion, encourage more cycling and walking and create a more vibrant town centre. […]

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Mayor’s Blog: A Tale of Two Cities – and Eleven Market Towns.

We could all do with a pandemic pick-me-up and June hit the ground running with terrific news from the Combined Authority Board. More than a pick-me-up, it’s a big step forward.  Board members gave unanimous and very enthusiastic approval for our region’s market towns to apply for a share of a whopping £13.1 million to […]

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Metro advisers urge ‘One CAM’ over ‘slice-and-dice’ jigsaw

In a key step towards bringing the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro – CAM – to life, the CAM Partnership Board has heard how unifying the projects in one streamlined plan would move all strands forward at the same time. In an important recommendation, the Partnership Board members were informed of the One CAM’ proposal and considered […]

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Combined Authority approves £2.9 million for quickfire upgrades to cycle paths and pedestrian highways

The Combined Authority of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has approved the spend of £2.9 million to improve cycle and pedestrian facilities across the region, of which £575,000 is to be spent over the next 8 weeks on rapid, pilot upgrades to get more people walking and cycling. The funding has been awarded by central government after […]

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Mayor reiterates his opposition to the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Cambourne to Cambridge Busway

James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has reiterated his opposition to the Cambourne to Cambridge Busway following the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s (GCP) decision to proceed with its scheme against his advice. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, led by Mayor Palmer, is the Transport Authority for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and sets the Local Transport […]

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‘Going virtual’ to keep March transport consultation going despite coronavirus

A public consultation on how best to improve the future vitality of March will be ‘going virtual’ thanks to an innovation being used by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to adapt to coronavirus safety measures. Local people are being invited to step into an online virtual consultation room to take part in the March […]

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Stakeholder consultation for CAM inches Metro reality closer

Plans for the innovative Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro or CAM, linking the towns and villages of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough through tunnels under Cambridge city centre and its employment zones, jumped closer today with the launch of a stakeholder consultation on a draft policy framework for the whole 140 kilometre network, running from St Neots to Mildenhall […]

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Mayor intervenes to keep vital bus services running for key workers and the elderly

Mayor James Palmer has stepped in to help keep buses running for people with essential jobs and no other option to travel to work along with measures to support older people use the bus to get to the shops when necessary. Since the UK moved to observing social distancing rules last week to help slow […]

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Final Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro public exhibition cancelled, but online consultation to continue until Friday 3 April

The final public exhibition to display plans for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) has been cancelled in accordance with government guidance to limit public events, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has announced. The exhibition, which was due to be held at The Hauser Forum on the University of Cambridge West Cambridge site on Friday […]

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Mayor welcomes government funding and halved delivery time for Cambridge South train station after tireless campaign

The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough James Palmer has welcomed the announcement by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rushi Sunak, today on funding for a new station at Cambridge South to be delivered by 2025, five years ahead of the original schedule. Mayor James Palmer said: “The announcement in today’s budget for a train station for […]

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Faster and direct bus services announced for Cambourne

Today, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough announced plans for a number of initiatives for faster and direct bus services for Cambourne. The Combined Authority will be exploring these initiatives with operators, funders and the local community.  These new bus services and better bus routes from Cambourne will go to key employment sites north and […]

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Transforming Wisbech Rail

On Friday 6th March a report to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Transport Committee will outline the next steps for transforming the Wisbech Rail project which seeks to offer a direct passenger transport service between Wisbech and Cambridge by re opening the line to March for the first time since the service was axed […]

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What next for public transport between Cambourne and Cambridge?

On Friday 6th March a report to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Transport Committee will outline the next steps of the proposals for public transport between Cambourne and Cambridge. It will seek to make two recommendations.  Firstly, to get an agreement to set out a vision for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro as a whole, […]

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Mayor frustrated at the lack of ambitious plans for passengers on CrossCountry trains

Mayor frustrated at the lack of ambitious plans for passengers on CrossCountry trains Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, James Palmer says he is deeply disappointed by the lack of ambition in the plans announced today for longer trains and more seats for CrossCountry passengers across the Midlands. Mayor James Palmer said: “This talk of levelling […]

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‘Have your say on CAM’ – Mayor launches public consultation on Cambridgeshire’s world class public transport system

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough mayor James Palmer is urging people to have their say on plans for CAM – the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro – through a public consultation launched this week. The CAM network will comprise the City Tunnel Section, including new underground tunnels and stations under the city of Cambridge, with planned major interchange hubs […]

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Mayor takes control of the delivery of public transport solutions for the Cambridge to Cambourne corridor

Responding to significant concerns raised by residents in the area between Cambourne and Cambridge, James Palmer, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has announced that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is taking control of delivery of public transport solutions in the area. In a letter to the Greater Cambridge Partnership, Mayor Palmer has made […]

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Mayor confirms Cambridgeshire Metro plans will not be affected by East-West Rail

Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, James Palmer has today confirmed that plans for a Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro will not be affected by the government announcement that the preferred route for East-West rail is to be Bedford, St Neots and Cambourne. Mayor James Palmer said: “We welcome the announcement of the preferred route […]

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