Kent Thameside
Construction work on the Fastrack network in Kent Thameside began on 23 September 2004. [4] The network commenced operations on 26 March 2006 with the introduction of Fastrack B between Temple Hill and Gravesend. [5] [6]
On 3 June 2007, Fastrack A commenced operations in order to serve the new development at The Bridge in Dartford. [7] The route is part-funded by Prologis, the developers of The Bridge.
From 19 November 2007 following the opening of Ebbsfleet International railway station, Fastrack B was diverted to serve the station in order to connect with Eurostar and Southeastern High Speed services. [8]
Following the completion of the Everards Link Phase 2 on 10 December 2012, Fastrack B was rerouted via a new section of busway linking Ingress Park with Greenhithe railway station. [9] Fastrack B began serving the whole of the Ingress Park development from 2 September 2018. [10]
From 2 August 2020 following the opening of the Springhead Bridge, Fastrack B was rerouted between Ebbsfleet International railway station and Gravesend to serve the new Springhead Park development. [11] [12]
On 23 August 2021, Fastrack AZ commenced operations in order to serve the Amazon LCY3 distribution centre in Dartford. [13] The route was initially operated by Go-Coach but transferred to Arriva Southern Counties on 3 April 2022 with Fastrack A being modified to serve the LCY3 distribution centre at the same time. [14]
In June 2023, it was announced that Go-Ahead London had been awarded a 15 year contract to operate the Kent Thameside network, starting in November 2024. [15] On 10 November 2024, the Kent Thameside network was taken over by Go-Ahead London. [16] [17] On the same day, Fastrack E commenced operations, initially running from Gravesend to Castle Hill in order to serve the Castle Hill and Cable Wharf developments. [18]
From 16 August 2025, following the opening of the Whitecliffe busway, Fastrack E was extended to serve Bluewater. [19]
