Have your say on the Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit

Three Rivers residents have an opportunity to have their say on a vision to reimagine the county’s transport network through a new east-west rapid transit link.

Hertfordshire County Council has launched a public engagement exercise inviting residents to explore a virtual exhibition, attend online events and complete an online survey about the proposed Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT). The proposals aim to deliver a step-change in the passenger transport network through an accessible, reliable and affordable mass transit system, connecting Watford and Hemel Hempstead in the west to Harlow (west Essex) in the east.

The HERT is designed to connect people easily to where they live, work and visit and will support economic growth, improve the environment and positively impact existing and new communities.

Hertfordshire already experiences significant traffic congestion and poor journey time reliability due to the reliance on cars. Over the next 15 years, there are plans for around 100,000 new jobs and up to 100,000 new homes across the county to meet local needs, which means there will be further demand on the already congested road and rail network.

The HERT is intended to provide a new and sustainable cross-county transport system that encourages people out of their cars and on to a greener, convenient and more affordable public transport service.

A key feature of the HERT will be the creation of better links with bus services, walking and cycling routes, creating an integrated transport network with better access to the rail network and wider links to domestic and international airline travel at Luton and Stansted airports. It will also unlock new job opportunities and provide businesses with greater access to skilled people in the county and beyond. Hertfordshire County Council and Essex County Council will work closely together to ensure rapid and seamless journeys can be made across the entire network.

This is the first phase of public engagement on the scheme and the council is inviting feedback on its vision for HERT. A virtual exhibition will be available online from Thursday 18 November to Friday 28 January 2022 where participants can find out more about the scheme, attend one of the online exhibition events and share their views by completing the online survey.

For more information about how to get involved, including details of online exhibition events, visit:  www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/HERT