Initial Proposals
‘Green’ innovative and traditional transport
Options will be explored from the town centre/railway to Saltash Waterside where the steep 200 metre hill (1:4 gradient) acts as a barrier to travelling between the two key areas of the town.
Innovative, ‘green’ and possibly ‘fun’ transport solutions will be explored and assessed as well as more traditional solutions such as electric vehicles and community led transport schemes considering other initiatives from across the UK or international destinations.
Green Transport Options
E-bikes and Scooters - Beryl bikes are to expand their operation to Saltash.
Electric tuk-tuks - Operator is taking part in the ‘trial day’.
Land train - The owner of the Looe Land Train hopes to be part of the trial day. A future land-train must also cater for bikes, pushchairs etc.
Mini-bus - Red Bus’ existing services might be extended. Electric mini-bus would be preferable from Ferry Point to town.
Funicular railway - Unfortunately a funicular is non-viable due to very high initial cost and low potential usage.
Road bridge stanchion elevator - Potential for a lift up the western stanchion tower of the Tamar Road Bridge - interesting idea but very costly to achieve and hugely dificult to achieve.
Electric water transport - investigations underway. Initial service might be a traditional ferry with an electric ferry introduced once the service was established.
Funicular Railway
Looe Land Train
Row of electric bikes
SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknessess, opportunities, threats)
Strengths:
Innovative transport likely to attract visitors
The longer they are in place the better they get used
Transport solutions become ‘embedded’ in the movement culture of the town
E-bikes / scooters are relatively cheap and payable with a smart phone
Weaknesses:
E-bikes / scooters may only appeal to a certain demographic
Not always available and, perhaps, seasonal
May exclude those without smart phone access
Funicular Rail / Elevator and high level walkway under the road bridge– hugely expensive, and probably undeliverable
Land trains and Tuk Tuks may have manoeuvrability issues
Opportunities:
E-Bikes may be more suitable than scooters given the topography of Saltash
Looe Land Train operator is interested in participating in the ‘trial day’
Beryl Bikes are now operating their e-bikes in Saltash
Saltash Red Bus / Community Enterprise mini-bus could be integrated into public transport network. They are an existing provider
Threats:
Taxi drivers may resist
Car drivers will complain
Parking places for e-bikes / scooters need managing
Sudden withdrawal of service could leave a gap in the transport infrastructure
Vandalism / theft
Water Transport -water taxis, ferries, river cruises etc
From Saltash Waterside to the river communities around Saltash passage and along the River Tamar and River Lynher with the potential to link into other routes and other complementary initiatives.
We will explore and assess the suitability of existing infrastructure such as the Saltash pier and other available landing points alongside different operating models including the opportunity to run an electric ferry with charging point at Saltash to mirror the one on the Barbican at Plymouth.
Water Transport
Plymouth Boat Trips (PBT) run seven passenger boats serving four ferry services; existing occasional route: Barbican to Saltash Pier - one way
PBT are open to providing an enhanced service using Royal William Yard as a hub with an ambition to run services to Torpoint and Saltash
Pier facilities would need to service a 70 - 100 person vessel
A floating pier with ramped access is preferable
Journey time between Saltash and RWY – 30/35 mins
Silverline Cruises have also been consulted and are also keen to establish a service to Saltash provided adequate docking infrastructure is in place (a pontoon adjacent to Saltash Pier)
Electric ferries to be considered
River Tamar - potential ferry routes
SWOT Analysis
Strengths:
Re-introduction of water transport is keenly sought by the Town Council
Local operators are keen (Plymouth Boat Trips & Silverline Cruises)
Connection of Saltash with The Barbican in 20 mins
Potential to also connect with Torpoint
Reasonable cost for a single / return ticket
Weaknesses:
Viability of cross-river ferry service will need to be tested
Dependent on improvement in infrastructure (pontoons and jetties for larger craft)
Demand may be seasonal and weather dependent
Lack of ‘draw’ on the Saltash Waterside – why come to Saltash?
Service may require degree of public subsidy
Opportunities:
Saltash Waterside needs invigoration and there is scope for redevelopment
PBT currently operate a package trip for tourists out of RWY – this could be extended / combined with river trip to Saltash. PBT are running a service to RWY during the ‘trial day’
Specialist trips (Navy history for example) may be of particular interest
Combined ticket with local public transport might be popular and increase demand
Potential to introduce zero emission boats once service is established
Evening ‘party’ ferry trips with music might be popular
An excellent chance to put in place a riverside masterplan which will meet the needs of those travelling from Plymouth; a restaurant / more pubs / local shops as well as connection to the new green transport infrastructure.
Threats:
Funding required
Lack of commercial viability for private ferry operator
Low use and subsequent cancellation of service