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Alternative Fuelled Vehicles
One of the main objectives of Quaylink is to provide a viable alternative to the private car for journeys to both Quaysides. Reducing levels of car traffic will assist in creating a Clear Zone for air quality and this will be reinforced by the use of new technologies to limit any emissions from the Quaylink vehicles.
As a transport service Quaylink is the most up to date, high quality public transport system to operate in Newcastle and Gateshead. Unlike any of the buses currently operating in the region, this service uses ultra low emission hybrid diesel-electric vehicles and is the first to use the vehicles commercially in the UK.
These low emission vehicles are particularly beneficial in the semi-pedestrian areas of East Quayside and Gateshead Quays (Baltic Square), where they operate in very close proximity to pedestrians and enable an opportunity for emission and noise free transport within these areas.
Consequently, Quaylink has been chosen as one of the 9 ‘Clear Zone’ trailblazers chosen by the Department for Transport, to demonstrate how new technology can contribute to the creation of liveable cities.
Bus priority and service reliability
Whilst the service operates in almost congestion free conditions along the Quaysides, provisions to negotiate known congestion hot spots in the centres of Newcastle and Gateshead have been introduced. These measures have provided new lengths of bus lane and specific adjustment of traffic signals have provided priority through junctions to Quaylink by a process of selective detection. In certain areas of the route, particularly around Newcastle Central Quayside, more comprehensive traffic management changes are being proposed.
It is anticipated that the majority of customers for the Quaylink services will arrive in Newcastle or Gateshead on other Public Transport modes e.g. Metro, Rail, Bus. To maximise the use of Quaylink interchange facilities are supported by comprehensive integrated ticketing arrangements offering both a simple and competitive fare structure as well as off bus ticket purchase. In addition, existing travel cards and transfares are accepted and promotional fares for the service will be introduced for special events in the area.
Passenger Appeal
The Quaylink buses are of the latest design, with low floor access, and provide high quality facilities. The layout enables high capacity "standee" operation in the late evening period when loadings from the numerous leisure developments could be particularly great. The external design is visually appealing and noticeably different to the general bus fleet as each vehicle sports a distinctive livery, with this branding immediately identifying it with the Quaylink service. In addition, certain dedicated and highly visible Quaylink stops feature fully accessible sheltered passenger waiting areas with a high quality seating and lighting area. Real time information is available at certain stops to inform passengers on next arrivals and all buses on the service are linked directly to the North East Travel Information Service to give real time information for potential passengers by phone or the Internet.
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