Rapid Transit System
Colchester Rapid Transit (known as CRT) is a rapid-transit system in Colchester, England[1], with a main bus line including guided busway, similar to a tramway. It is set to open its first line in spring 2025.[2]
The CRT will serve central Colchester, as well as some suburbs like Highwoods and The Hythe.
Overview
The CRT is being built as a part of multiple transport improvements across the city, such as the A133-A120 link road[3], and the re-construction of St Botolph's Circus. The guided busway was proposed as a more efficient alternative after many residents called for a tram system in the city.[4] It is the only rapid transit system in Essex.
It is to have one main line, and currently planned to have 8 stations, terminating in the proposed new garden community. The guided busway portions (also known as the "Super Bus Lane") are along Cowdray Avenue, and Via Urbis Romanae.[5]
The line will be operated by First Essex, and only Colchester RTS Tram-Buses are allowed on the guided busway and new bus lanes.
The line will have one bus every 10 minutes, which would make it the most frequent bus service in Essex.[6]
In central Colchester, St Botolph's Circus is being redesigned to allow the CRT to operate faster services through the area.[7]
Construction
The project is set to finish construction by Spring 2025, including the construction on Via Urbis Romanae, Cowdray Avenue and in central Colchester.
For the parts of the routes operating on the road, traffic lights along the first route were modified to prioritise CRT buses to make sure that the route wouldn't be affected by traffic and ensure efficiency across the route.
Notably, the project received criticism after it was revealed that cracks appeared on multiple homes after construction started to build the rapid busway.[8]
See also
References
