A major study to develop a vision addressing the long-term transport needs of the rapidly developing city of Inverness and its surrounding areas has been launched.

Commissioned by Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE) in partnership with The Highland Council, the research will look ahead from 2006 to 2031 and suggest innovative and achievable transport solutions for the Highland capital and its hinterland.

It has been predicted the population of the Inverness area may increase by up to 30,000 between now and 2031 (2001 Census figures give the population of the city as 40,949, the Inverness area as 66,576 and the INE area as 77,647). Although much of the growth will be around Inverness itself, physical constraints to the north, south and west of the city mean a substantial proportion of new development will have to be located along the A96 corridor and further afield.

Without new investment in transport infrastructure and services, increases in commuter traffic are therefore likely to lead to congestion problems which may undermine the future success of the city and its image as a clean, attractive tourist destination and place to live and work.

Considerable work has already been carried out identifying short-term transport solutions for the area. However, this study will focus on the development of a long-term strategic vision, which will inform transport planning in the Inverness area for the next 30 years.

The new study will consider all modes of transport, including:

* Further development of commuter rail services.

* Dedicated busways as a lower-cost alternative to rail-based systems.

* Park-and-ride, shuttle buses and demand-responsive systems.

* Improved road infrastructure.

Stuart Black, chief executive of INE, said it was vital to look ahead to highlight a range of possible options to form the basis of transport strategies after 2006.

He said: "As areas are opened up for housing and economic development, there is a need to develop a long-term transport vision which ensures that the Inverness city-region continues to develop on a sustainable basis and that Inverness maintains its positive image for business, residents and tourists.

"Transport is an issue which effects everyone living in the area and it is very important that INE and The Highland Council work in partnership to develop a shared vision which will help develop the context for future developments.

"The study started this month is the first stage in developing this vision."

Councillor Charlie King, chairman of The Highland Council's TEC Services Committee and chairman of HITRANS, the strategic transport authority for the Highlands and Islands, said: "This study will help underpin our local transport strategy and assist us in securing funding for these major transport projects, which will ensure the continuing economic prosperity of Inverness as the hub of the Highlands."

Consultants Atkins have been commissioned to carry out the £15,000 study, which is due to be completed by the Spring. The Highland Council and Scottish Executive officials will be closely involved in appraising potential solutions.