Gosport to Fareham transit route opens to traffic
A £20m rapid bus transit route in Hampshire has opened and is carrying its first passengers.
The Bus Rapid Transit scheme links Gosport to Fareham along a disused railway line.
It means buses can bypass the congested A32 and the route links housing estates with the two town centres.
Many locals objected to the plans, arguing the track had become a wildlife haven and an important route used by bats to reach feeding grounds.
Construction finally started after the council won the case at the Supreme Court.
The official opening will take place on Wednesday.
Two new Eclipse bus services will run the route every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 30 minutes on Sundays.
Originally a tram was planned, which was to go through a tunnel beneath Portsmouth Harbour, but the proposal proved too expensive.
Planting and acoustic fencing has been installed on the route to reduce the impact on residents.