Explore Kent By Public Transport

A groundbreaking event has taken place at the site of the future Bean Road underpass in Ebbsfleet today (Thursday 23 April), marking an important step forward for the project ahead of an anticipated start on construction later this spring.The Bean Road underpass is a key part of Kent County Council’s (KCC) Fastrack programme, which aims to deliver fast, reliable and sustainable public transport connections across Kent Thameside, supporting housing growth, jobs and regeneration.Once constructed, the scheme will see a 75‑metre underpass built beneath the B255 Bean Road, creating a direct route for Fastrack buses, pedestrians and cyclists between Whitecliffe (formerly Eastern Quarry) and Bluewater Shopping Centre, with improved onward links to Ebbsfleet International Station.Following a competitive tender process, Erith Contractors Limited were appointed to deliver the construction works, with the construction contract valued at £18.6 million. The total value of the scheme is £25.5 million.A significant proportion of the funding for the scheme has been secured from the Department for Transport through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, alongside contributions from Bluewater and Eastern Quarry Limited. This funding is ringfenced specifically for improvements to bus and sustainable transport infrastructure and cannot legally be redirected to other highway projects.Preparatory activity has already taken place on site, including initial site setup, vegetation clearance and specialist surveys. These works are being carried out in anticipation of the main construction phase, which is expected to begin once all pre‑commencement planning conditions have been discharged.Subject to this, the anticipated construction programme is expected to last around 15 months, with completion forecast for summer 2027.Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This project is a strong example of effective partnership working, with KCC bringing together government and local partners to deliver real improvements for the area.‘The funding secured for the Bean Road underpass is ringfenced specifically for bus and sustainable transport infrastructure, enabling us to invest in a scheme that improves connectivity while supporting growth in Ebbsfleet.‘Today’s groundbreaking event marks an important step forward for the project as we move toward an anticipated start on construction.”Sara Waller, CEO of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone in partnership with Kent County Council and Department for Transport, combining all of our investment to make this project happen.“This project is about improving everyday journeys - making it easier for people to travel, work and move around the area – from Dartford, to Greenhithe and Ebbsfleet and onto Northfleet and Gravesend. Bringing immediate benefit to existing residents and helping to shape that place for future residents.“As Ebbsfleet continues to grow, investments like this are essential, supporting long-term development, improving daily life through stronger connectivity and accessibility, and linking the new town of Ebbsfleet to its existing neighbours.“We look forward to the positive impact this project will bring for those living in and travelling through the area.”Andrew Waldron, Operations Director at Erith, added: “Collaboration is at the heart of Erith’s approach. The Bean underpass project is being progressed with a strong focus on early engagement, clear communication and close cooperation with the client, designers, local authorities and affected stakeholders, helping to ensure the scheme is delivered efficiently and sensitively from pre‑construction through to completion.‘This project exemplifies the type of complex, high‑value infrastructure challenge where Erith’s expertise adds real value. We are proud to play a part in delivering a scheme that improves connectivity, enhances safety and leaves a lasting positive impact for the local community.”For the latest on the Bean Road Underpass, visit: Bean Road Fastrack Scheme - Kent County CouncilFind out more about Ebbsfleet Development Corporation: Homepage - Ebbsfleet Garden City

Kent’s Fastrack bus network is marking a major milestone by celebrating 20 years since the buses first began rolling through Dartford and Gravesham.On 26 March 2006, the very first Fastrack bus set off on Route B, linking Temple Hill and Gravesend via Dartford and Bluewater. In its first week, it exceeded expectations by carrying more than 23,000 passengers.Just over a year later, demand for the service led to the creation of Route A, which launched on 3 June 2007, connecting Dartford and Bluewater via The Bridge Estate and Greenhithe.The first Fastrack buses started running in 2006. Credit: Darren WalkerSince those early days, Fastrack has grown to provide the transport option for more new developments, including Ingress Park, Springhead Park, Littlebrook and most recently Whitecliffe, with seven Fastrack routes currently running (A, B, D, E, F, N and AZ).While most are in the Kent Thameside area, on 17 November 2024 Fastrack was expanded to serve Dover. Fastrack D provides a frequent, reliable connection between Dover town centre and Whitfield, supporting an area undergoing major housing expansion. Over the coming years the network is expected to grow further as more developments come forward.Over its 20‑year history, Fastrack services have been operated by four bus companies including Arriva, Go‑Ahead, Go Coach and Stagecoach, each contributing to meeting the evolving needs of growing communities in the areas they serve.Fastrack D provides a connection between Dover town centre and Whitfield. Credit: Jack HymersSuccess in numbersFor the first full year of Routes A and B, just under 1.1 million trips were forecast; instead, the network carried 1.75 million.In 2025, Fastrack recorded 2.88 million journeys across all routes.In 2026, ridership is expected to exceed 3 million for the first time.A model built for sustainabilityFastrack was developed to enable sustainable growth in areas experiencing heavy congestion. Its dedicated bus lanes, signal priority at junctions and frequent, reliable services offer a viable alternative to car travel for local journeys.This has helped unlock major housing and commercial developments, including Ebbsfleet Garden City and Whitfield, by supporting a higher share of local trips than a typical bus service.A silver Route B Fastrack bus was part of the 2019 fleet. Credit: Darren WalkerPeter Osborne, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “Twenty years on from that very first journey, Fastrack has grown into a public transport success story. The distinctive buses have carried millions of people, helped new communities find their feet, eased congestion and supported the growth of our towns. We’re proud of how far the service has come, and we hope residents will continue to enjoy and make the most of Fastrack for many years to come.”Keep an eye out for upcoming Fastrack events celebrating the milestone which will be announced throughout 2026.Find out more about Fastrack:Fastrack Kent Thameside (Dartford & Gravesham): https://www.kent-fastrack.co.uk/FastrackDover: D Bus Route & Timetable: www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/south-east/D/dover-whitfield/XFBD000.Oach

Kent County Council (KCC) is pleased to announce the introduction of Dover’s first fully electric buses on the Dover Fastrack network, marking a significant development in modernising public transport for residents, businesses and visitors.Delivered in partnership with Stagecoach South East and Dover District Council, the project has been made possible through funding from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme. The collaboration between partners has been central to securing funding and supports KCC’s ongoing work to strengthen and improve local transport services.The new fleet of five Volvo BZL electric buses are capable of travelling up to 300 kilometres on a single charge and offer smooth and quiet operation, enhancing the journey experience for passengers. Each vehicle has been designed with comfort and accessibility in mind, featuring low-floor access, dedicated wheelchair spaces, on‑board digital information screens, and USB Type B and Type C charging points at every seat.This launch represents a key milestone in the Dover Fastrack service - a modern, high‑quality rapid bus transit system connecting Whitfield with Dover town centre and Dover Priory railway station. Since its introduction in November 2024, Dover Fastrack, operated by Stagecoach South East, has seen strong and continued growth in users. The service recently extended its timetable to run even earlier in the mornings and to meet the last late night High-Speed trains.Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “The introduction of these electric buses is an important step in strengthening public transport for the Dover area. This project reflects the strong partnership between KCC, Stagecoach South East and Dover District Council, and demonstrates our shared commitment to providing reliable, modern and high‑quality services for residents, businesses and visitors.‘As the Whitfield area continues to develop, we fully anticipate the service to continue to grow and play its part a key role in stimulating the local economy, with a strong focus on increasing footfall in the town centre.”Joel Mitchell, Managing Director of Stagecoach South East, said: “This represents a major investment for the people of Dover and for Kent as a whole. These electric buses will provide a smoother, quieter journey for our customers while significantly reducing environmental impact. It’s an important step forward in delivering a more sustainable public transport network for the region.”Cllr Gordon Cowan, DDC Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We are delighted to welcome the launch of electric vehicles on Dover Fastrack. We are pleased to have been involved in helping facilitate this project, to have secured the funding for the infrastructure, and to have worked with KCC as the Highways Authority and Stagecoach as the service provider.”Domenico Bondi, Managing Director at Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, says: “It has been a privilege to partner with Kent County Council, Dover District Council, and Stagecoach South East to deliver this project. This investment is an important step for East Kent, providing cleaner air and quieter journeys on the local public transport network. The support from our dealer MC Truck & Bus is also integral, with its skilled local team in Hythe providing the technical expertise the operator needs to keep the vehicles performing at their best for the communities they serve.”