Finally....

New Dartford to Gravesend Fastrack bus is 'life line' for residents

Wednesday 12th December 2012

   News By George Sargent

 

KCC's David Brazier, James Moody, Mayor of Swanscombe and Greenhithe Vic Openshaw and local operations manager for Arriva Alan Hale

A NEW bus service running from Dartford to Gravesend has provided a “life line” for the elderly and infirm, an Ingress Park resident has said.The Fastrack bus service, which started running on December 10, is the first to go through the Ingress Park estate.It runs every 10 minutes and also stops in Dartford town centre, Bluewater, Ebbsfleet International, Greenhithe Station and Gravesend town centre.

Susan Butterfill, of Marial Walk, in Ingress Park, said: “It’s a life line for the elderly and infirm because they don’t have to walk nearly as far as they did before to get the bus.

“I think it’s much needed. And it also encourages people to use public transport.

“It’s a very good idea.”

But the 60-year-old grandmother said: “When I bought my house 10 years ago I was told there was going to be a bus link soon, so it’s taken a while!”

Dartford Borough and Swanscombe & Greenhithe Town Councillor Susan Butterfield

Passengers can buy a £5 weekly ticket for travel between Ingress Park and Greenhithe Station. Kent County Council deputy cabinet member for Highways, David Brazier, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Fastrack is now up and running through Ingress Park.“While it has taken longer than we would have wanted, residents now have the vital piece of public transport that they both want and need.”

Crest Nicholson is the company that built and developed the estate. Its eastern manager, James Moody, said: “Following our £3m investment into Fastrack, we are delighted that the service is now operational and that it runs through our popular Ingress Park development.“With a new phase of homes currently under construction, the bus service offers another benefit to residents looking to move to the area in the future.”