WORK on a rapid bus scheme to whisk passengers across south Hampshire will step up a gear after the Government awarded the project £20m.

The South East Hampshire Bus Rapid Transit network, the first stage of which will connect Fareham and Gosport, is designed to help meet the demand for trips from new housing developments in an environmentally friendly way.

Buses will be able to run on a dedicated busway as well as local roads, enabling the service to avoid congested parts of the A32 and reach into housing areas, local shopping centres and other popular locations.

The first phase of the scheme is due for completion by March 2011. The old railway track between Redlands Lane in Fareham, and Tichborne Way in Gosport, has been earmarked for the scheme and clearance work has already taken place.

Councillor Mel Kendal, executive member for environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “Getting the go-ahead on funding for this first phase of our overall scheme is excellent news for the whole of south Hampshire.

“Tackling traffic congestion in the area is essential, and, by offering local people a genuine alternative to the car, the bus rapid transit scheme will help reduce traffic delays on congested routes into and out of the Gosport peninsula.”

Sean Woodward, Fareham Borough Council leader and chairman of PUSH (the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire, said: “We very much welcome this first down payment on investment in south Hampshire’s infrastructure.

“As south Hampshire develops, we know that much more will be needed, but this is a positive first step, and will help to support the local economy as well as providing a piece of valuable transport infrastructure.”

However there is opposition to the scheme with hundreds of residents joining forces to form campaign group the Bus Rapid Transport Action Group. Critics are concerned about the effect on wildlife and the security of homes along the route.