Local residents, community groups and businesses are being asked to put their views and comments forward to help shape plans for public transport design improvements for Backwell, North Somerset.
Local residents and businesses will receive an invitation to a drop in event where initial concept designs for renovated bus stops, proposed bus priority measures at Backwell Crossroads and a new local transport hub (which includes cycle stands, parcel lockers and electric bike charging points) will be available to view.
The plans are being proposed as part of North Somerset’s ‘Bus Service Improvement Plan’ (funded by Department for Transport) to help make bus travel easier, faster and more reliable across North Somerset and the wider West of England.
Cllr Hannah Young, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “We’re keen to hear everyone’s views on our initial concepts for Backwell. I would love to see as many people as possible at this community event to help us understand the potential impact of these proposals and hear community ideas about what else could work to improve public transport use in and through Backwell.
“Residents often tell us that they need buses to be more reliable, frequent and easier to access. These proposals aim to reduce bus delays at peak times, help buses keep to published timetables, maintain the current X1 15-minute service frequency, and make the bus a realistic choice for more of our residents and visitors. We are working closely with bus operators to increase bus use and reduce costs to make services sustainable after current government-funded subsidies for local bus services end in 2025.
“The A370 junction in Backwell is a key congestion point. The initial concepts are designed to improve A370 traffic flow for all vehicles, but we want to work with residents and businesses to test and develop these proposals together to address the current challenges for all road users.”
Feedback from the consultation and engagement process will inform additional work to test the feasibility of the ideas and to revise designs before any decision is taken as to whether the plans will be progressed.
Following initial engagement with Ward Councillors and Backwell Parish Council, further surveying work will take place during the consultation period to understand in greater detail the impact of proposals on the surrounding area.
Funding is available through the Bus Service Improvement Plan to deliver a scheme that supports the use of public transport whilst also giving the opportunity to address a number of issues in the local area. Plans will not solely be based on bus usage, but also on how pedestrians, mobility users, cyclists and motorists utilise the area.
