Explore Kent By Public Transport

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.”

Kent County Council (KCC) has awarded the £18.6 million contract to Erith Contractors Limited to deliver the major Bean Road Underpass project - a key element of the Fastrack programme, which aims to improve sustainable transport links across Kent Thameside.Part funded by the Department for Transport, the project supports KCC’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, designed to encourage greater bus use and make Kent’s services more sustainable for the future. Further funding has been provided by Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and Bluewater, plus a contribution from Eastern Quarry Ltd.The Bean Road Underpass will create a new 75-metre tunnel beneath the B255 Bean Road, connecting Whitecliffe (formerly Eastern Quarry) with Bluewater Shopping Centre. This direct link will form part of the Fastrack bus rapid transit system, improving connectivity between new residential developments, Bluewater, and Ebbsfleet International Railway Station.The underpass will include a Fastrack busway, as well as a footway and cycleway.Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This £18.6 million investment marks one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Kent Thameside in recent years. The Bean Road Underpass will transform how people travel across the area, creating faster, greener connections between new communities, Bluewater, and Ebbsfleet International.‘Thanks to funding from the Department for Transport, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and Bluewater, plus a contribution from Eastern Quarry Ltd, this project will deliver long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors.”Pre-construction survey works will need to take place from January to allow essential monitoring equipment and rock netting to be installed ahead of the main tunnelling works, which are scheduled to begin in Summer 2026.For the safety of the teams carrying out the works, staggered lane closures will need to be in place on the B255 and Bluewater Parkway for up to five months.To reduce the impact on road users, the works have been carefully planned to minimise disruption where possible, including nighttime closures where possible.For more information about this project, visit: Bean Road Fastrack Scheme - Kent County Council.

Kent County Council (KCC), in partnership with Stagecoach, is enhancing public transport connectivity in Dover with an extended Fastrack timetable that better aligns with Southeastern’s High Speed services from Dover Priory.From Monday 8 December, the Fastrack timetables will be extended seven days a week. Monday to Saturday services will be timed to meet the first and last High Speed Rail services to and from London.This update marks a significant milestone, with Dover Fastrack now reaching its full intended timetable, having previously been made shorter. The improved schedule will make it easier for passengers to transfer between bus and rail, creating smoother, more efficient journeys and supporting the local community’s access to London.In addition, a new trial bus service, Route 66, operated by Stagecoach, will launch to the Port of Dover, offering a direct and convenient link to one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs. This pilot route is dependent on passenger uptake to ensure its continuation – residents and visitors are encouraged to use the service to help secure its future.As part of the wider network update, Route 67 shuttle service will be withdrawn on Friday 5 December due to consistently low passenger numbers. Introduced last year as a 12-month trial funded through the overall Dover Fastrack budget, the service was subject to review based on usage.To help maintain connectivity for areas previously covered by Route 67, the new Port of Dover service will include Whitfield. Buckland Hospital and the River area will continue to be served by Route 64, ensuring ongoing access to public transport.Spencer Dixon, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “I’m pleased to see Dover Fastrack reaching its full potential with this extended timetable. These improvements will make public transport more reliable and accessible for residents, especially those commuting to and from London.‘The new link to the Port of Dover is an exciting addition, which I encourage everyone to use to help ensure its long-term success. Maintaining connectivity is a top priority for KCC. We are thankful to Stagecoach that the Port of Dover service includes Whitfield, and that other areas such as Buckland Hospital and River continue to be served.”Joel Mitchell, Managing Director for Stagecoach South East, said: “We are pleased to be introducing the new Route 66 as a pilot, which strengthens local connections and provides an important link to the Port of Dover. We recognised the need to maintain access for communities previously served by Route 67, which is why we ensured Whitfield is included within the new route. We’re committed to supporting Dover’s transport network and look forward to welcoming customers on board.”For more information and the new timetables visit:  Fastrack timetable extension and new Port of Dover service | Stagecoach