Following the Government's refusal of funding for a Light Rail system round Portsmouth Harbour, local councils have been exploring the idea of using the former Fareham-Gosport railway line as part of a rapid bus system.

Transport for South Hampshire have sent out the following notice advising of consultation on the scheme:

"As you may be aware work is currently progressing on a proposed Bus Rapid Transit scheme for South East Hampshire. The scheme is planned to connect key towns and destinations, including Gosport, Fareham, Portsmouth, the Queen Alexandra Hospital and Port Solent and ultimately Havant, Segensworth and Whiteley, with proposed new development sites at North Fareham and Tipner. It will also connect with the existing A3 Zip priority bus corridor from Waterlooville. The scheme aims to provide a high specification, innovative, frequent, reliable, rapid bus service as an alternative form of transport to the private car in South East Hampshire.

In order to help progress the scheme a speculative bid was submitted for Community Infrastructure funding for a first phase of the scheme which will follow sections of the disused railway corridor between Fareham and Gosport. The wider scheme will then be developed by subsequent public and private sector funding as opportunities arise.

I am writing to inform you that an initial public consultation is being arranged in order to engage the public and key stakeholders at an early stage in the scheme development. Whilst the consultation will identify the route as a whole, it will focus mainly upon the first phase and will be at an "in principal" rather than detail level.

The consultation will take place in the Martin Ramsey Suite at Bridgemary Community Sports College, Wych Lane, Gosport on the following dates:

Thursday 16 October 12.30 - 15.30 media / stakeholder / Councillor event only
Thursday 16 October 15.30 - 20.00
Friday 17 October 09.00 - 13.00 and 17.30 - 20.00
Saturday 18 October 09.00 - 18.00