THE story of the disused rail link between High Wycombe and Bourne End (HBL) and the possibility of reinstating it with light rail, has appeared in these columns many times, in letters from several correspondents, so two major transport studies concerning light rail and buses should be of interest.

A comprehensive light rail report, produced January 2005, was commissioned by the UK transport authorities who have invested in light rail since 1992, (Manchester, Sheffield, Croydon, Nottingham, the West Midland Metro, the Tyne and Wear Metro, plus the older Docklands light railway).

The study found that in peak hours, typically 20 per cent of the passengers had previously travelled by car, and at weekends up to 50 per cent chose the light rail instead of their car. This modal shift' by the light rail schemes took 22 million car trips off the road every year.

In contrast, the bus report, (700 pages published late 2007), provided information about increased passenger numbers, much of it attributable to free bus passes, but made no mention of modal shift.

The seven light rail schemes all assisted business confidence and investment, partly by indicating a commitment to improving public transport.

They were very expensive to build, but since January 2005, new Ultra Light Rail (ULR) systems have become available which are much less costly.

The rolling stock is cheaper and there is no need for the expensive overhead high voltage power supply. Also, the HBL track, unlike the cities, would not involve the very costly procedure of digging up streets, and ULR is very energy efficient.

Dr Elsa Woodward, The High Wycombe Society, The Haystacks, High Wycombe