Ambitious Trackless Tram Proposal Aims to Transform Travel Across Hertfordshire and Essex

Plans for a major new public transport network could dramatically improve east-west connectivity across Hertfordshire and parts of Essex, with local leaders backing a trackless tram system designed to cut journey times and reduce dependence on car travel.

Hertfordshire County Council has outlined proposals for the Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT) network, a large-scale transport project that would link key towns and communities across the region using a new generation of trackless tram vehicles.

The concept centres on electric, tram-style vehicles that operate without the need for traditional rail tracks. Supporters believe the technology offers many of the advantages of light rail while being quicker and more affordable to deliver.

Addressing Long-Standing Connectivity Challenges

At present, travelling across Hertfordshire by public transport can be slow and indirect, with some journeys taking several hours. In many cases, passengers find it quicker to travel into London before connecting back out to their destination.

The proposed HERT network is intended to address these long-standing connectivity issues by creating a dedicated rapid transit corridor running east to west across the county.

Under current plans, the route would connect Harlow, Gilston, Hertford, Hatfield, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead, with an additional branch extending from St Albans to Croxley. Most of the major hubs along the route would provide direct connections to the existing rail network, helping integrate local and regional transport services.

Council leaders believe the system could reduce some cross-county journey times to less than an hour.

A Flexible Alternative to Traditional Rail

Officials argue that trackless tram technology offers greater flexibility than conventional rail-based solutions.

Unlike light rail or heavy rail schemes, which require extensive infrastructure construction, trackless trams can operate on specially adapted road corridors while delivering a tram-like passenger experience. This approach is expected to lower construction costs and accelerate delivery times compared with more traditional transport projects.

The council has described the proposal as a future-focused transport solution capable of supporting economic growth while encouraging greater use of public transport.

Turn-Up-and-Go Services

One of the key ambitions behind the HERT project is to create a high-frequency service model similar to that found on urban metro systems.

Rather than requiring passengers to plan around timetables, services would operate frequently enough to allow travellers to simply arrive and board. Current aspirations suggest vehicles could run every ten minutes along the network's main corridor.

Councillor Paul Zukowskyj said the proposal is intended to address what he sees as a significant weakness in the county's current transport network, particularly for journeys that do not involve travelling into London.

He argued that relying on commercial bus operators alone has not delivered the level of connectivity required and that a more strategically planned network is needed to support communities and economic growth across the region.

Long-Term Vision

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the concept, the project remains at an early stage and faces significant financial and delivery challenges.

Preliminary estimates suggest the network could require investment exceeding £2 billion, making it one of the most ambitious transport schemes proposed in the South East of England.

Given the scale of infrastructure required and the need to coordinate multiple development sites and transport corridors, councillors acknowledge that delivery would take place over many years. Current expectations indicate the full network may not be completed until around 2040.

While substantial funding and further planning work would be required before construction could begin, supporters believe the scheme has the potential to reshape travel patterns across Hertfordshire and Essex, providing a faster, more integrated and sustainable alternative to the car for future generations.