Runcorn Busway - a segregated system of roads in Runcorn New Town
Runcorn East station provides access to the North W
ales - Chester - Manchester rail service which offers
an hourly service (operated by Arriva Trains Wales). The station is approximately two miles to the west of
Daresbury as the crow flies, although the journey by road is nearer to four miles. At Chester andWarrington, there is interchange available to many other destinations in the North-West, although interchange with trains to Liverpool requires a change of stations from Bank Quay to Warrington Central. Trains to Chester link into the Merseyrail network at Chester itself and via the Helsby-Ellesmere Port -Hooton line.Access to this station is constrained by the station being located on the western side of the rail line,meaning the limited crossing points result in restricted access options. Access via bus between Runcorn East and the study area is limited to the Access 200 shuttle which operates a circular service between Runcorn East and Daresbury Business Park. Peak frequency is half-hourly and hourly off-peak, but a majorconstraint to this service is the fact it only operates in a single direction. Access via non-vehicular modes is possible, but the walking route is not designed for those travelling to and from the employment areas.
The Runcorn Busway was purpose built as part of the development of Runcorn new town. The Busway, Runcorn's rapid transit system, was opened in 1971; all but a small section being completed by 1978. This is reserved for single decker buses and aims to provide a fast public transport network throughout Runcorn.The new town stands up the hill on the south bank of the Mersey overlooking Runcorn old town, with its distinctive road and rail bridges across to Widnes on the north bank. The busway was built to a figure of eight design, enabling all residents to be within walking distance of the bus. This concept has broken down over the years as Runcorn has expanded beyond its original design and car ownership has become more common.
In the centre at Halton Lea, the bus way straddles the first phase of the shopping centre with separate high-level north and southbound platforms. Buses from off the system can enter the busway and access the shopping centre. Services operate to Chester, Warrington and Liverpool from Halton Lea. A striking feature is the elevated section through Halton Lea where in a manner later replicated by the Docklands Light Railway in London the busway runs along a dedicated viaduct. Unlike later examples in Cambridge and Leigh, the system is unguided – the drivers still steer their buses. The busway is single lane but each stop has a passing lane to allow following buses to pass.
Runcorn Busway - a segregated system of roads in Runcorn New Town
Runcorn East station provides access to the North W
ales - Chester - Manchester rail service which offers
an hourly service (operated by Arriva Trains Wales). The station is approximately two miles to the west of
Daresbury as the crow flies, although the journey by road is nearer to four miles. At Chester andWarrington, there is interchange available to many other destinations in the North-West, although interchange with trains to Liverpool requires a change of stations from Bank Quay to Warrington Central. Trains to Chester link into the Merseyrail network at Chester itself and via the Helsby-Ellesmere Port -Hooton line.Access to this station is constrained by the station being located on the western side of the rail line,meaning the limited crossing points result in restricted access options. Access via bus between Runcorn East and the study area is limited to the Access 200 shuttle which operates a circular service between Runcorn East and Daresbury Business Park. Peak frequency is half-hourly and hourly off-peak, but a majorconstraint to this service is the fact it only operates in a single direction. Access via non-vehicular modes is possible, but the walking route is not designed for those travelling to and from the employment areas.
The Runcorn Busway was purpose built as part of the development of Runcorn new town. The Busway, Runcorn's rapid transit system, was opened in 1971; all but a small section being completed by 1978. This is reserved for single decker buses and aims to provide a fast public transport network throughout Runcorn.The new town stands up the hill on the south bank of the Mersey overlooking Runcorn old town, with its distinctive road and rail bridges across to Widnes on the north bank. The busway was built to a figure of eight design, enabling all residents to be within walking distance of the bus. This concept has broken down over the years as Runcorn has expanded beyond its original design and car ownership has become more common.
In the centre at Halton Lea, the bus way straddles the first phase of the shopping centre with separate high-level north and southbound platforms. Buses from off the system can enter the busway and access the shopping centre. Services operate to Chester, Warrington and Liverpool from Halton Lea. A striking feature is the elevated section through Halton Lea where in a manner later replicated by the Docklands Light Railway in London the busway runs along a dedicated viaduct. Unlike later examples in Cambridge and Leigh, the system is unguided – the drivers still steer their buses. The busway is single lane but each stop has a passing lane to allow following buses to pass.