Phil: Let trams take the strain
Man creates new transport system map for city
A man with a passion for public transport has invented his own tram system to put the city on the right tracks.
Phil Earle's creation has four routes that cover all of Milton Keynes' major areas on a 'hop on, hop off' basis.
The 53-year-old, who used to live in Milton Keynes, describes himself as a 'rapid transit systems enthusiast' and is positive a tram would
be a huge success and a viable alternative to buses.
He said: "It would definitely work. There are towns and cities across Europe of various sizes with very popular tram systems that work very smoothly.
"I don't see why Milton Keynes couldn't be the same. The grid system would make it easy to build too."
Phil said his first design just had the red and blue lines that linked the main shopping areas, such as Stony Stratford, Bletchley, Kingston,
Westcroft and Central Milton Keynes.
But then he added the green and yellow lines to join housing areas. He claims trams are quicker and more reliable than buses.
Phil added: "If you haven't got a car in Milton Keynes you are stuck. The buses aren't good enough, there is no indicator of when they are coming or where they are going.
"I think the people of Milton Keynes would really embrace it."
Phil, who sent off the plans to Milton Keynes Council but is yet to receive a response, is not the first person to campaign for a tram.
Indeed, the city was designed with a possible tram or monorail system in mind.
Earlier this year pressure group Urban Eden came up with its own design.
Its head Theo Chalmers claimed the 'TraM-K' would be "public transport bliss" with electric, diesel or even hybrid machines running on tracks along existing grid roads with passengers paying electronically and
viewing timings via digital boards.
Meanwhile, Phil, who is unemployed, has not yet come up with the formula to fund his new tram system.
"I haven't thought about money yet. I just designed it," he smiled.
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
