A new Hertfordshire rapid transport corridor which could replace the Watford to Croxley Link will be the subject of a public showcase in the town centre this weekend, says the Watford Observer.

The Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT) was first announced in 2021, but the county council has just revealed details of the first public display of a sample vehicle, due to take place in Watford High Street between 9am and 4pm on Saturday 9 May.

It will enable residents to explore the demonstrator vehicle and learn more about the concept, which is still described as being “at an early, exploratory stage”.

A trackless tram is expected to be showcased, with the vehicle described as “electric, high capacity vehicles which offer many tram-style benefits without the need for rails or overhead wires”.

Although this appears to be the preferred option, the final design is still up for discussion as part of the engagement with residents.

A study of whether small self-driving buses with their own lanes or segregated routes could serve the HERT was previously commissioned as another option.

Any form it takes will need to be zero-emissions with a modern comfortable and spacious design, according the specifications, which also state that vehicles should carry more people than a car while being “more convenient and reliable than a traditional bus”.

The proposed HERT corridor is split into three sections, Hemel Hempstead-Gilston, St Albans-Watford, and Gilston-Harlow (with onward connections to Stansted).

(Picture: Hertfordshire County Council)