18.10 Public transport has a major part to play in the realisation of a sustainable lifestyle by reducing car usage and pollution. Thanet has the lowest level of car ownership in Kent, which means that public transport is vital for personal mobility. A good public transport network is therefore important so that both these issues are addressed.

18.11 The Council has no direct control over the provision of bus and rail services. However, in its planning and other functions the Council will support the continuation and improvement of an effective public transport service for both bus and rail. Developer contributions will be used to facilitate implementation of such improvements. In addition the Council will expect new developments to take into account the needs of public transport. This could include various measures such as designing in waiting areas or the provision of sign posting and bus shelters.

18.12 Thanet is served by seven railway stations and has direct services to London, Canterbury, Ashford and Dover.

18.13 In December 2009 HS1 services commenced from Ramsgate to London St. Pancras reducing rail journey times to 1 hour and 16 minutes. For purposes of comparison, the mainline journey time to London Victoria is around 2 hours and to London Charing Cross up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. The three principal stations are Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate with routes in three directions:

• London via Faversham and Chatham
• London via Canterbury and Ashford
• Dover and Folkestone via Sandwich