£70 million boost for public transport

Release Date:  20-May-2008

The work to improve public transport corridors and ease congestion in the West of England partnership area will go ahead, thanks to an award of £42 million announced today (Tuesday 20 May) by Transport Minister Rosie Winterton to fund the next stage of the Greater Bristol Bus Network.

Ten new route corridors and over 70 bus routes within the West of England Partnership area will now benefit from local improvements.The improvements will start in summer with work on the M32 bus lane - improving punctuality and reliability for buses into Bristol without reducing any road space for cars. The final details of changes to all routes are not yet finalised and passengers, local residents and local business will be fully consulted about proposals. Regular updates will be provided to keep people informed of progress, timings of future consultations and completion of key milestones.

The total cost of the upgrades is £70 million comprising £42 million from the Department of Transport, £20 million from local bus company, First, with £6 million from developer contributions, with the balance funded by the four local councils.

The benefits of similar improvements can already be seen on the Henbury to Hartcliffe showcase route 1 and Bristol centre to Cadbury Heath showcase route 2, with the increase in passenger usage.

As part of the Greater Bristol Bus Network (GBBN) programme the following routes will be significantly improved:

• M32, from south of Junction 2 to Bristol city centre
• A4018 Bristol to Cribbs Causeway
• A4018 Bristol to Cribbs Causeway via Parkway and North Fringe
• A432 Bristol to Yate
• A4 Bristol to Bath
• A37 Bristol to Midsomer Norton and Radstock
• A 4174 Avon Ring Road
• A370 Bristol to Weston-super-Mare
• A369 Bristol to Portishead
• A367 Bath to Midsomer Norton and Radstock

 Improvements brought about under GBBN will include:

• Bus priority measures such as new bus lanes and intelligent traffic signals to minimise delays and improve journey times.
• New buses with easy access low floors, lower emissions and improved comfort and cleanliness.
• Real time information where and when passengers need it. Simple and easy to understand information to put bus users in control of their travel options.
• Improved links to and from park and ride sites.
• More services and new routes where there is most demand.
• New shelters with raised kerbs, improved lighting, seating and CCTV to improve access, comfort and cleanliness.
• Improved maintenance and service agreements will ensure buses and shelters remain clean and damage free.

 Cllr Helen Holland, Leader of Bristol City Council and Chair of the West of England Partnership said: "A high quality bus network is a top priority if we are going to successfully tackle congestion in our city and across the West of England. The new cleaner buses on faster routes will make a noticeable difference to bus journey times and encourage more people to use public transport in and around Bristol. It’s not just bus passengers who will benefit. The programme will enable us to improve pedestrian and cycle access and safety - and design more attractive street environments that will ensure better neighbourhoods for all."

Responding to the Greater Bristol Bus Network award, Cllr Charles Gerrish, Bath and North East Somerset Council Cabinet Member for Customer Services commented: "Bath and North East Somerset Council welcomes this funding award to enhance the bus travel experience. It reflects our aspiration to improve transport by increasing local bus passenger journeys and reducing congestion, particularly journey times during the morning peak. We have already begun technical work on improvements to the Hicks Gate, Keynsham roundabout and conducted consultation on how best to implement the improvements on the Wellsway, Bath. We are engaging and communicating with local residents on how best to improve our bus network."

Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Planning, Highways and Economic Development at North Somerset said: "For North Somerset this is one small step in the transport infrastructure, which we hope will give residents more confidence in the reliability and quality of the bus service on two of our key routes. Nevertheless, we will be continuing to press for further improvements for bus, rail and private car users over the coming months, including a new rail link for Portishead and improvements at junctions 21 and 19 of the M5. I hope to make further announcements on these improvements later this year."

Cllr John Calway, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, added: "We are delighted with the announcement which will deliver a high quality public transport network for our residents. A lot of hard work by the four local authorities has gone into ensuring this scheme was approved by the Government. Working with our partners we are committed to tackling congestion, poor air quality and the challenges that climate change presents. This project will lead to a greater choice of bus routes, modern low emission vehicles, new bus shelters and real time information and, faster and more frequent services."

Justin Davies, Managing Director, First Bristol and First Somerset and Avon said, "This funding announcement is very welcome and we look forward to working with our partners as this programme develops so that we can provide a safe, reliable and punctual bus service across the area."

Author:  Julia Dean

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