Citybus MD leading plan for future of Tamar crossings

PANEL FORMED, WITH EFFICIENCY PUSH AND 'CARD-ONLY' TOLL GATE FLOATED

- KIRSTIE MCCRUM

A CHAIRMAN has been appointed to oversee the Tamar 2050 crossing programme. The initiative was launched last year, aimed at securing the long-term future of the crossings by developing a new way forward for funding and operating the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry.

The independent chair has now been appointed to take the programme forward to the next stage. Richard Stevens MBE, Managing Director of Go Southwest, one of the largest bus operators in the region which includes Plymouth Citybus, took up his role as chair of a new Stakeholder Panel in December.

Mr Stevens' first job was as a bus driver in Penzance at the age of 20, and he has worked in transport at local, regional and national level over the past 36 years.

Other roles have included Chair of the Plymouth Area's Business Council, Chair of Plymouth's Growth Board, and Chair of Destination, Plymouth. He is currently a Director of the National Marine Park and Chair of City College, Plymouth.

"We know that there are going to be some significant changes in road transport and the ways in which people move from one place to another over the next 25 years" said Mr Stevens.

"The panel has been given the task of identifying a plan to ensure that the crossings are still here for the future generations that will need to use them. This is not just about how we pay for these vital assets, it’s about what do the next generation of ferries and bridge need to look like?