Q. It is true DDC is spending £85 million on buying a pod system for Daventry?
A. No. The Council will not be spending local taxpayers money on installing any advanced transport system, whether ‘pods’ or another type of system.
The UK Government and the EU have both set aside money for new sustainable urban transport solutions, particularly those which can be applied elsewhere. This money cannot be used for other purposes. They see developing improved forms of transport as investments worth making. There is no reason Daventry shouldn’t benefit from this investment which would otherwise go to towns and cities elsewhere in the UK and Europe.
Q. Won’t a Pod network spoil the appearance of Daventry?
A. The Council is not pursuing a PRT system because of the level of costs and in response to the concerns that have already been expressed by residents on the subject. Given the local circumstances, it has concluded that a Group Rapid Transit system would be preferable. GRT uses small automated electric minibuses, which travel on demand. This makes them much more attractive, and energy efficient. GRT systems are also cheaper to run than buses because only one or two staff are needed for six or more vehicles.
Q. But won’t GRT vehicles have to travel on flyovers? Won’t they spoil the view?
A. No. Except to cross canals and so no, GRT vehicles would be on the ground.
Q. Isn’t this all unproven technology?
A. It is relatively new, but a GRT system has been in public use elsewhere in the world for several years and people use it in large numbers very successfully.
Q. How can this be justified whilst other services are being cut, including buses?
In difficult economic times it is even more important to be doing things which boost economic activity and which are more cost-effective. One of the attractions of both PRT and GRT is that because they respond to user demand they would attract more passengers than buses and so are more likely to fund their own operating costs, removing the need for subsidies.
DDC’s involvement in innovative projects like these has greatly increased the profile of the area and already helped to secure inward investment like the £8 million iCon, which provides space for new businesses, bringing business and jobs into the District helping to generate income which supports other Council services.
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