A proposed new passenger transport network that would run across Hertfordshire and finish in one of the Garden Town’s new communities has received overwhelming support from residents.
75% of the near 2000 Hertfordshire residents who responded to a consultation on the Herts Essex Rapid Transport (HERT) project were positive about the scheme which is proposed to begin in Hemel Hempstead and end in one of the Garden Town’s Gilston villages with connections to Harlow and Stansted Airport.
Another section of the HERT will also operate between St Albans and Watford, improving connections to Luton Airport.
The full results of the public engagement and consultation showed:
A combined 68 per cent of respondents said they would be likely to use the HERT once completed.
Support for HERT was strongest among young people, with 90 per cent of 18–24 year-olds supporting or strongly supporting the vision, despite being underrepresented in overall responses.
When asked what features respondents would like to see on the HERT, reliable journey times and service frequency were the two largest priorities.
Infrequent services, unreliable journey times and slow journey times were the three most common issues with the current local transport system.
Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “After extensive engagement with the public, the appetite for improved west to east public transport links could not be clearer.
“We will now take these views forward as we seek to engage with funding partners, including the Department for Transport.
“We are committed to the HERT’s ambitious vision to deliver a step-change in the passenger transport network across the whole of Hertfordshire, West Essex and beyond.”