Mayor gets backing for 2020 metro consultation

Unanimous backing has been given for a consultation about plans for a Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM).

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority board gave the go-ahead for the consultation.

The Combined Authority, working in association with the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), is developing proposals for the CAM. The vision is for an expansive metro-style bus network that connects
regional settlements, major employment sites and key growth areas across the county with railway stations and Cambridge city centre.

The CAM network includes underground tunnels in the centre of Cambridge as well as interchange hubs in the city. Four routes would connect Cambridge with St Neots, Alconbury, Mildenhall and Haverhill.

The forthcoming consultation, which is voluntary, will take place in early 2020 and will seek feedback from the community and stakeholders on the need and benefits of the CAM network as a whole, and potential alignments for the city tunnel section.

The feedback will be used to shape preparation of an outline business case, which will be published in mid to late 2020.

The consultation will not invite feedback on elements of CAM already under development by the GCP, including the Cambourne-to-Cambridge and Cambridge South East corridors.

Mayor James Palmer said: “The public voice is what counts in designing any public service and it’s great news that we can now showcase our initial plans to the public and hear their ambitions for CAM. Everyone should have a view as the CAM is a far-reaching project which will transform connectivity across the region and make a greener and more linked-up future not just possible but deliverable.

“The consultation is open to the wider public in our region, and all those with an interest in the project, or who have a view they would like to be considered, should get involved.

“CAM is about shaping the future for ourselves and our children, so we all need to pitch in and help get it right.”

The consultation was approved at a meeting of the combined authority on Wednesday (January 29).

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