Forthfast hovercraft hailed “major operational success” as work starts to evaluate trial

* More than 32,000 passengers travel on Kirkcaldy-Portobello service
* Boost for economy as local retailers report increased shoppers
* Regular commuters ditch car for quicker integrated transport link
* Work starts on analysis of passenger data and customer surveys

Stagecoach's cross-Forth hovercraft service was hailed a "major operational success" today (29 July 2007) as work starts to evaluate the two-week trial. More than 32,000 passengers used the Forthfast service between Kirkcaldy and Portobello during the £300,000 trial, according to final figures released today. Both commuters and leisure travellers tested the fast 20-minute crossing, with many motorists deciding to ditch the car in favour of an integrated hovercraft and bus journey from Fife to Edinburgh.

Retailers on both sides of the Forth have also reported increased footfall and sales during the trial, which has been part-funded by SEStran (the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership). Robert Andrew, Regional Director for Stagecoach Scotland, said: "The two-week trial has been a major operational success. It has been incredibly informative in helping to shape a new public transport alternative that delivers what customers want. "The hovercraft has attracted a wide range of passengers and we have carried commuters, tourists, cyclists, wheelchair users and families with children in pushchairs. We have been particularly encouraged by the morning commuter journeys, which have risen steadily over the past two weeks, with a number operating at full capacity.

"During the trial, we have collected a wealth of passenger data and customer feedback. We look forward to working in partnership with SEStran, the Scottish Executive, as well as the Fife and City of Edinburgh Councils, to establish whether there is a business case to create a permanent cross Forth transport link." Councillor Russell Imrie, Chair of SEStran, said: "This trial helps to prove the case that cross-Forth travel using the under-used waterway could be a success. This trial has demonstrated that there is a core commuter demand that could be built on and also a considerable potential for leisure trips to supplement the business case.

"We look forward to analysing the results of the trial in the context of the wider study into the viability and preferred option for a regular, year round cross-Forth service." The hovercraft service has included dedicated bus shuttle links from Portobello to Leith and Edinburgh city centre. Nearly 9,000 travellers used the shuttle bus to travel to Waverley Bridge, with around 7,000 passengers heading to Ocean Terminal, providing a welcome boost to local business. Dennis Jones, Centre Manager, Ocean Terminal, said: "The hovercraft service from Fife seems to be a winner. Several retailers have reported new visitors coming to the centre for the first time and enjoying a day out via the hovercraft trip. It’s been an excellent boost for the summer holidays for Ocean Terminal."

The hovercraft made the crossing in an average of just 17 minutes - three minutes faster than its scheduled journey time - and coped well in stormy conditions on the first day of service when it met a Force 6 gale and two metre waves. Mr Andrew added: "We have been delighted with the performance of the hovercraft, which has been supported by a superb crew and a dedicated customer service and operational team on the ground."

Stagecoach estimates that running a two-craft operation would cost around £2million a year. Around 9,000 passengers a week - and up to 470,000 passengers a year - are estimated would use the service. While the service would require initial public investment, Stagecoach believes that within a few years passenger volumes could grow to make it commercially sustainable.