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Cambridge Connect

@cambridge-connect.bsky.social
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Stay updated with Cambridge Connect's vision to see Light Rail introduced to the historic city of Cambridge!

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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Cc #Cambridge re busways vs rail/light rail cambridgetownowl.com 👀
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The evidence is overwhelming. Transformative transport investment needed now. And the Cambourne to Cambridge busway will not cut it. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
The trail of clues that our planet might be heating faster than we realised
A curious online row over this summer's heatwaves points to a wider - and worrying - shift in climate science.
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
NEW BLOGPOST: "Rail Minister approves Cambourne-2-Cambridge Busway Application" cambridgetownowl.com/2026/09/08/r... However, Inspectors were critical on the lack of a plan on what to do with buses when they hit Grange Road/West Cambridge. 1/2
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
www.railwaygazette.com/tram-light-r...
railwaygazette.com
Den Haag’s ‘beautiful TINA tram’ unveiled
NETHERLANDS: Den Haag transport operator HTM has displayed its first Stadler TINA tram to the public ahead of entry into service on Route 2. The order for 62 trams is the largest to be placed for Stad...
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
A £192m mistake … and predict the cost will far exceed this figure
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
NEW BUSWAY: Cambourne-2-Cambridge approved www.gov.uk/government/p... 1/2
gov.uk
Cambourne to Cambridge guided busway: Transport and Works Act order
Approval for a new guided busway and transport hub in the A428 and A1303 Cambourne to Cambridge area.
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Simon @simuk.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
So Cambridge to Cambourne Busway (C2C) is happening then. Will be interesting to see if CPCA Mayor Bristow, who said at the inquiry, that he may not support buses on it, sticks to his words. (from Oct 2025: cambridgetownowl.com/2025/09/30/c... and www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambrid...)
bbc.co.uk
Controversial £180m busway through orchard to go ahead
The Cambourne to Cambridge busway is hoped to provide 10,000 daily passenger trips.
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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I support the @cambridge-connect.bsky.social alternative www.cambridge-connect.uk/connect-ligh... have done ever since it was launched a decade ago.
cambridge-connect.uk
Phase 3 - Wider reach - Cambridge Connect
In our 2021 revision of the Cambridge Light Rail scheme proposals we considered delivery feasibility over the wider network. Given the scale of the potential network ambition, which could extend to 15...
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Tom Holbrook @thomholbrook.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
The glorious Maria Pía bridge, Porto, where you can walk or cycle with no fuss, 200 foot above the River Douro on a deck shared with the city tram/ metro. No fences, bridge handrail lower than the one on my stairs, literally thousands of people crossing per hour
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
A major strategic weakness in the draft Local Plan is that it doesn’t recognise that mass transit is needed to support the economy and the development plans. The Local Plan should set out a vision for a transport network fit for purpose. Pretending buses are enough doesn’t come close to adequate.
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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
NEW BLOGPOST (Sorry!) "Draft Gtr Cambridge Local Plan: 7) Transport Mitigation Measures for New Strategic Sites" cambridgetownowl.com/2026/08/06/d... There are some bold assumptions and big rail-based gaps. CC @cambridge-connect.bsky.social @cambstravelall.bsky.social @camcycle.bsky.social
cambridgetownowl.com
Draft Gtr Cambridge Local Plan: 7) Transport Mitigation Measures for New Strategic Sites
I was tipped off by the Cambridge Bus Users for this blogpost – there are a host of assumptions that local residents living near the proposed new large development sites may want to scrutinis…
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 05/08/2026
The new Development Corporation is offering “infrastructure first” as a strategic approach to the development of the Cambridge area | Stephen McNair
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Is this how to manage the growth of Cambridge?
The new Development Corporation is offering “infrastructure first” as a strategic approach to the development of the Cambridge area
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 05/08/2026
Cambridge needs homes, transport and infrastructure. But should Whitehall be able to override locally elected councils to deliver them? A powerful new Development Corporation will test the government's commitment to “devolution by default”. eastangliabylines.co.uk/business/dev...
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Is this how to manage the growth of Cambridge?
The new Development Corporation is offering “infrastructure first” as a strategic approach to the development of the Cambridge area
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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
“Give more control over large local transport schemes, trams and metros to Mayors by removing and streamlining Whitehall.” www.gov.uk/government/n... 👀
gov.uk
PM hands mayors share of income tax to make lives better in every postcode
The Prime Minister will today launch the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and publi...
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Could this mean that Mayor Bristow will have the ability to leverage his increased financial powers to bring forward light rail mass transit for the region as promised? Coupled with a Visitor Accommodation Supplement & Land Value Capture, Cambridge Connect is viable. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham to give regional mayors share of income tax
The prime minister says the move will give power to "every postcode" but critics say the plans lack detail.
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Cambridge Independent @cambridgeindy.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
GSK to close #Stevenage hub and open £400m R&D site for 1,000 people on @cambridgebiocampus.bsky.social #Cambridge www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/gsk-to-...
cambridgeindependent.co.uk
GSK to close Stevenage hub and open £400m 1,000-job R&D site on Cambridge Biomedical Campus
The site is being developed by Prologis.
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
NEW BLOGPOST: "Parliament approves creation of The Greater Cambridge Development Corporation" cambridgetownowl.com/2026/07/24/p... I listened to the Parliamentary debates and read the transcripts so you don't have to! 😁
cambridgetownowl.com
Parliament approves creation of The Greater Cambridge Development Corporation
The House of Lords gave its approval on 22nd July 2026, while the House of Commons gave its approval a couple of weeks earlier You can read the transcripts of the debates: House of Commons 08 July …
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East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 23/07/2026
Take a minute to read this. As missiles fall, Ukrainians are still prepared to challenge their own leaders. Larisa Muravska explains why that's something to celebrate, not fear. #Ukraine
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Stand with Ukraine, do not look away: a passionate plea
At the weekly Cambridge event, a Ukrainian resident challenged listeners to recognise her compatriots are defending democracy
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Available digitally via www.researchgate.net/publication/... @bettertransport.bsky.social @cambridge-connect.bsky.social @railfuture.bsky.social
researchgate.net
(PDF) Economic Impact of Light Rail; the Results for 15 Urban Areas in France, Germany, UK and North America
PDF | On Jul 1, 2004, Carmen Hass-Klau and others published Economic Impact of Light Rail; the Results for 15 Urban Areas in France, Germany, UK and North America | Find, read and cite all the researc...
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
It has been clear for a while the GCP no longer has money for CSET. Indeed, questionable whether there’s enough left for C2C & Waterbeach busways. GCP should make state of its remaining finances clear & publish updated costs of its proposals. Likely there’s a huge gap.
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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
“And a confidential report obtained by the BBC through the Freedom of Information Act claims its streets already cannot accommodate the number of drivers there at peak times.” But we knew that ***decades ago!***
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
The battle to stop illegal e-bikes 'faster than cars'
As police continue to seize illegally modified e-bikes, a shop team say they are working to educate riders.
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Incremental improvements will offer minimal gains & there’s a compelling case for Mass Rapid Transit. The report concludes that without intervention congestion & time spent stuck in traffic will double within 5 years. We need to step up & support the Cambridge economy. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Cambridge: Could the UK be about to get another underground?
Experts have suggested a radical solution to Cambridge's congestion issues - but is it realistic?
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Cambridgeshire @cambridgeshireuk.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Is a new underground railway coming down the track? #Cambridgeshire #BBCNews
bbc.co.uk
Cambridge: Could the UK be about to get another underground?
Experts have suggested a radical solution to Cambridge's congestion issues - but is it realistic?
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Cambridge Connect proposes East West Rail and Mass Rapid Transit for Cambridge & its local region should be planned & delivered in an integrated way. This could save hundreds of millions of pounds & yield better outcomes. A joined-up approach is essential. www.cambridge-connect.uk/east-west-ra...
cambridge-connect.uk
East West Rail integrated with Mass Rapid Transit - Cambridge Connect
Cambridge Connect proposes East West Rail (EWR) should be planned and delivered with a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system for Cambridge. An integrated approach would yield better outcomes and it could sa...
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Tom Holbrook @thomholbrook.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
£12.5m wasted on fencing the Cambridge Guided busway – more evidence that DIY gadgetbahns are poor value with hidden costs. Tried and tested light rail now! @cambridge-connect.bsky.social www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/cost-of...
cambridgeindependent.co.uk
Cost of guided busway safety fencing doubles to £12.5m
Cambridgeshire County Council has said the works will ‘significantly’ reduce risk of users ‘falling or moving into’ the busway.
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Mayor Bristow backs Mass Transit for Cambridge…
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
NEW PUBLIC INQUIRY: Ministers instruct the Planning Inspectorate to open a public inquiry for the proposed Cambridge-South-East-Transport busway between Cambridge and the A11. Core docs are up at gateleyhamer-pi.com/en-gb/cset/i... Oxford people: beware. MRT means road with signs saying 'buses only'
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Cost of Cambridgeshire busway fencing nearly doubles to £12.5m
The safety measure is being installed on Cambridgeshire's guided network after three people died.
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Campaign for Better Transport @bettertransport.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
An exciting day as Cambridge South station opens! Great to see a new station serving the biomedical campus & local communities. And as this article shows, it will attract leisure travellers to some beautiful places. www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/jun…
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alexvonwitzleben.bsky.social @alexvonwitzleben.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Germany has successfully engineered a revolutionary transparent solar glass that generates clean electricity while remaining completely see-through from both sides, fundamentally transforming how buildings produce energy. #solarpower #ActOnClimate
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... In our view Cambourne is better served by our light rail Mass Rapid Transit scheme, and EWR is better taking a shorter route further south - huge cost savings and avoids MRAO completely 👍
bbc.co.uk
Cambridge University objects to East-West Rail near observatory
Research at the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory has been recognised with two Nobel Prizes.
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Cambridge Biomedical Campus @cambridgebiocampus.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
For world-leading science, for patients, for jobs. Ed Watson, Interim Managing Director for CBC Ltd, explains why the new railway station on our doorstep will be transformative for the largest centre of medical research and health science in Europe: www.businessweekly.co.uk/posts/south-...
"Connectivity drives collaboration"
- Ed Watson, Interim Managing Director, CBC Ltd
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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
NEW BLOGPOST: “Bus services could fall dramatically by 2035 says CPCA-commissioned report” re #Cambridge buses cambridgetownowl.com/2026/06/17/b... 😱
cambridgetownowl.com
Bus services could fall dramatically by 2035 says CPCA-commissioned report
The root of the problem? Central government policies on Local government funding. Cambridge Area Bus Users tabled a public question on the sustainability of bus services at the CPCA Transport Commi…
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Andrew Jones @arj2024.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
A transport system built for everyone in the municipality whilst in the UK we build a minimal bus network to provide transport of last resort for those with no other options. Design a system exclusively for the poor and unsurprisingly you'll get a poor system.
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
www.mainspring.co.uk/industry-new...
mainspring.co.uk
Copenhagen light rail to be completed on 22 August
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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
With #Cambridge East and the proposed railway station for the airport site in the news today, several of you have been picking up on the initial plans from 2025 -> cambridgetownowl.com/2025/10/28/a...
cambridgetownowl.com
A new Cambridge East Station – early analysis
The emerging local plan documents include reports on what to do with the Cambridge Airport site TL:DR? Come along to the Rail Future East meeting on Saturday 6th December 2025 – Cambridge at …
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
www.railwaygazette.com/urban/2026/0...
railwaygazette.com
President opens Astana automated light metro line - Railway Gazette International
KAZAKHSTAN: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was issued ticket number 001 when he travelled from the airport to Ulttyk Museum to inaugurate Astana Light Rail Transit Line 1 on May 16. Tokayev said the ...
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Dublin steps up www.railwaygazette.com/dublin-metro...
railwaygazette.com
Dublin automated metro procurement launched - Railway Gazette International
IRELAND: Transport Infrastructure Ireland has launched the tendering process for the M500 contract to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the planned MetroLink automated metro line. It will r...
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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
This is almost hypnotic! (Imagine what traffic reductions could be achieved if more cities had metro systems!)
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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
"What Light Rail can do for city regions" From 2021 www.urbantransportgroup.org/resources/ty... Enjoy! @cambridge-connect.bsky.social @cambstravelall.bsky.social @cambsgreenparty.bsky.social
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Cambridge Connect @cambridge-connect.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Add, 6. Priorities. 7. Financing models
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Chris Curtis MP @chriscurtis94.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
This makes it harder to get across big cities within a reasonable commute time. E.g. @tomforth.co.uk estimates only 0.9 million people can reach Birmingham city centre within 30 minutes by bus. This limits agglomeration, so our second-tier cities underperform compared to the rest of Europe.
Map of Birmingham showing how many people can reach the centre withing 30 minutes by bus. It's 0.9 million at peak time, 1.3m at off-peak time, and would be 1.7m all day (simulated) if there was a tram. Chart showing relative productivity of UK cities compared to cities across the rest of Europe. While there are a few places in the SE that do well, the rest underperform second-tier cities in other countries. only six UK cities have a higher productivity than the European average. Half of UK cities are among the 25% least productive.
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Chris Curtis MP @chriscurtis94.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
It costs us nearly twice as much to build a mile of Tram track in the UK as it does in Europe, so we don't have anywhere near as many trams. Every French city with a population over 150,000 has a Mass Rapid Transit system. Only around a quarter of British place that size have one.
Chart showing the comparison between costs of building a mile of Tram track in the UK to other European Countries. It is £82 million in the UK, £47 million in France. Germany is cheapest at £24 million.
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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Cc Combined Authority watchers everywhere
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Campaign for Better Transport @bettertransport.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
We've welcomed the Government's new strategy for integrated transport - read our full reaction: bettertransport.org.uk/media/integr...
Photo of Ben with the words, "This strategy recognises the importance of safe, reliable, affordable and accessible transport to people's lives and communities... We welcome the focus on creating a transport network that works as a whole." - Ben Plowden, Chief Executive Campaign for Better Transport
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Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
NEW BLOGPOST: "The old local rail network around Cambridge a blueprint for light rail or regional rail links?" cambridgetownowl.com/2026/03/29/t...
cambridgetownowl.com
The old local rail network around Cambridge a blueprint for light rail or regional rail links?
An old map arrived in the post a week ago which shows how extensive the east-west rail links from Cambridge used to be. Plus some recent findings in the world of old magazines and past research rep…
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
NEW BLOGPOST: “Busways and light rail – what’s already out there?” cambridgetownowl.com/2026/03/13/b... For those of you following Cambridge’s decades-long saga over public transport infrastructure
cambridgetownowl.com
Busways and light rail – what’s already out there?
Back in August 2024 the Cambridge Connect Light Rail group sought ministerial support for feasibility study funding that *really* should have been provided by either the Greater Cambridge Partnersh…
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Reposted by Cambridge Connect
Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
NEW BLOGPOST: "Busways and light rail – what’s already out there?" cambridgetownowl.com/2026/03/13/b... We know there's lots to learn from France, but can we see some of the policy detail? @cambridge-connect.bsky.social
cambridgetownowl.com
Busways and light rail – what’s already out there?
Back in August 2024 the Cambridge Connect Light Rail group sought ministerial support for feasibility study funding that *really* should have been provided by either the Greater Cambridge Partnersh…
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Paul Brackley @paulbrackleyci.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
In @cambridgeindy.bsky.social a 5-page #CambridgeHalf Marathon pic special, a government-backed study for Mass Rapid Transit options of #Cambridge, the £121m heat network, £49m @anglianwater.bsky.social pipeline plan, the #21toWatch winners, Baulk Path debate & Nigel Havers interview
Cambridge Independent front page, March 11-17, 2026
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