Your views wanted on A4 bus improvements

Release Date:  03-Jul-2009

Residents in south east Bristol are being invited to have their say on a range of improvements to boost bus services along a vital commuter route.

The proposed Greater Bristol Bus Network (GBBN) project for the A4 Bath Road between Temple Meads and Hicks Gate aims to cut congestion and pollution by making bus travel easier and more attractive - whilst also improving safety and the environment for other road users, local residents and businesses

When completed, it will benefit bus passengers along the route and also make getting about safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists - improving access to local shops to the benefit of traders.

In summary, the scheme will deliver:

• Bus priority measures to improve punctuality and reliability, including some 24 hour bus lanes and new intelligent traffic signals linked to the council’s state-of-the-art traffic control centre;
• Raised kerbs to make it easier for all passengers to get on board - including wheelchair users, parents with buggies or shoppers with trolleys;Quality bus stops and shelters to make the wait between buses more comfortable;
• Low floor, low emission buses;
• Improved timetable and real-time information, including an audio facility for blind and partially sighted passengers;
• CCTV linked to the traffic control centre to monitor and tackle traffic problems causing congestion along the route;
• New cycle lanes and other facilities;
• Improvements to some junctions to benefit motorists;
• Wider pavements along some sections of the route plus several new and improved crossings and kerb build-outs to help pedestrians cross roads more safely.

The project is part of the wider GBBN programme across the four local council areas in the West of England sub region, which will see £70 million invested in improving 10 main corridors by 2012. £42 million of that money is from the government with First Bus and other partners also investing in the schemes. The GBBN programme will ensure a reliable, more comfortable ‘showcase’ bus travel experience for passengers who make over 52 million bus journeys in the sub-region each year.

Residents to be leafletted, information centre to open

As part of the consultation on the A4 scheme,  approx. 5,000 leaflets will be delivered to residents and businesses living on and around the route. A Project Information Centre will also be open for three days a week at Unit 9, Brislington Hill for anyone interested to visit and find out more between 7 July and 1 August. The Information Centre will be open on the following days:

• Tuesday 10am - 4pm
• Thursday 10am - 8pm
• Saturday 10am - 2pm

You can also comment:

• in writing: GBBN Project Team, Public Transport and Park and Ride Team, Bristol City Council, Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY
• by email: gbbn.bathrd@bristol.gov.uk

Important step towards more reliable and attractive service

Councillor Jon Rogers, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability, said: “We are determined to improve public transport in Bristol. It has been unsatisfactory for far too long and this GBBN route is an important step towards providing a more reliable, comfortable and attractive service linking one the city’s main residential areas with business districts in the city centre.

“ Having a better bus service along this major route will be good for passengers; good for the city’s economy - particularly during the current recession - and good for the environment. As importantly, it will also be good for other road users and traders too, who will benefit from complementary improvements along the route.”

“ The views of residents and bus users are essential if we are to deliver a scheme that reflects their needs and concerns. I urge everyone who cares about bus services and other transport facilities along this corridor to take an active part in the consultation.”

The council has already undertaken consultation with bus operators and many key stakeholders about the proposals and will continue to listen to further ideas they may have with during the public consultation phase.

• The four authorities in the West of England Partnership are Bath and North East Somerset Council; Bristol City Council; North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council.

Author:  Kate Hartas/Simon Caplan

For all media enquiries relating to this press release, please contact Corporate Communications on 0117 922 2650.

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