* Kirkcaldy - Leith commercial link identified as preferred route in new study

* Interim single craft service to Portobello proposed from late 2008

* Potential for tendered Burntisland-Granton route using 75-passenger vessel

* Future options for Alloa and Methil to boost economy and social inclusion

Stagecoach announced today (25 October 2007) that it has established a 'clear business case' for the launch of a permanent cross-Forth hovercraft service.

The Perth-based transport group unveiled a four-part masterplan to exploit the potential of the Forth estuary, identifying a preferred link between Kirkcaldy and Leith.

Stagecoach – which has significant experience of operating ferries in New Zealand and has made extensive use of specialist marine consultancy advice – announced its proposals following a detailed analysis of the results of a two-week Forthfast trial operation in July 2007.

The company, which has discussed its proposals with Forth Ports, said that a service could operate from the former bus depot in Kirkcaldy and run over a breakwater ramp at Leith and onto a landing strip at Ocean Terminal.

The service would have a journey time of around 18 minutes and the route would ensure an integrated connection with Lothian Buses’ Service 22, which runs every four minutes to Edinburgh City Centre.

Financial analysis carried out by Stagecoach suggests that the crossing would become commercially viable under a three-year Kickstart pump-priming initiative. 

A two-hovercraft operation is expected to attract more than 870,000 passengers a year by Year 4, with significant savings in carbon emissions.

Stagecoach has pledged to invest 8.3 million pounds in two craft for the service, plus 2 million pounds in maintenance facilities, a park and sail terminal at Kirkcaldy and landing works. The cost of the ramp and landing strip works at Leith is estimated at around 1.5 million pounds, although this is subject to further analysis and negotiations over funding. Total public investment of 3.3 million pounds would be required to assist with operating costs while the service becomes established.

The full service between Kirkcaldy and Leith could be operational from summer 2009, offering peak connections every 25 minutes and services every 30 to 60 minutes off peak. Fares would be expected to be charged at a small premium to rail prices, with discounted tickets for weekly travel.

As an interim measure, Stagecoach is proposing to launch a one-hovercraft operation from Kirkcaldy to Portobello – similar to the route of the original trial – from late 2008. The service would operate every 45 minutes at peak times, with hourly services at other times of the day. Stagecoach already has an option on a craft under construction by Hoverwork Ltd on the Isle of Wight.

More than 32,000 passengers used the Kirkcaldy - Portobello trial Forthfast service with both commuters and leisure travellers ditching the car in favour of an integrated hovercraft and bus journey from Fife to Edinburgh. Retailers on both sides of the Forth also reported increased footfall and sales during the trial, which was part-funded by SEStran (the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership).

Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “This is a major milestone in the development of an environmentally sustainable cross-Forth link. We now have compelling evidence of a clear business case for a permanent hovercraft service.

“The trial this summer proved there is huge support for this project from communities on both sides of the Forth and it is crucial we maintain the momentum behind this initiative. We will be discussing our findings in detail with the Scottish Government, SEStran and other stakeholders to establish what interest there is in taking our proposals forward."

Stagecoach also believes that further initiatives should be investigated to maximise the potential of the Forth estuary, including:

* a subsidised sea-based service between Burntisland and Granton using a 75-passenger catamaran. The route, which would be put out to competitive tender, currently has limited public transport links. Stagecoach believes it should be commissioned following completion of Edinburgh tram project links to Granton.

* a long-term economic regeneration and social inclusion case for additional non-commercial sea-based services - funded by the Scottish Government - linking Methil to Leith. The region currently has relatively high levels of poverty, unemployment and social deprivation, and the employment opportunities from a link would revitalise the area. Alloa could also be considered for a fast ferry to Granton or Leith in the longer term.

Stagecoach is expected to meet senior Scottish Government officials next month to outline further details of its business case. It will also brief representatives from SEStran, Fife and Edinburgh Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the local communities.