The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, in consultation with local councils, has submitted initial plans to the Department for Transport on how to invest the record £940m funding secured from government last year for transport improvements. The draft proposals include:

• £150m for bus improvements
• £150m for rail
• £150m for mass transit
• £50m for active travel

A further £59m has also been provisionally allocated to assess options for future transport improvements, including looking at:

• Linking the Brabazon development to Bristol Parkway, and increasing the frequency of rail services between the West Innovation Arc Growth Zone and Bristol Temple Quarter
• New railway stations, for example at Saltford, Ashton Gate and/or an alternative south Bristol location
• Electric train infrastructure
• Mass transit options, including for the region’s Growth Zones

The final Local Transport Delivery Plan is set to be developed ahead of the autumn and follows the Transport Vision published last month, which set out the direction of travel for a better-connected West of England and was welcomed by government, transport, and business leaders:

• Better buses: reliable, affordable services with one ticket and one timetable
• More trains: new stations and more frequent services with low-emission trains
• Mass transit: a high-capacity system that links our key economic centres
• Active travel: better walking and cycling routes, with e-bikes/e-scooters there for short trips
• Improved streets: smoother roads and pavements, more electric vehicle chargers, Park & Rides and travel hubs linking transport options

Transport improvements are a big part of the 10-year Growth Strategy for the country’s fastest growing regional economy. Last year alone, just in Bath and Bristol, congestion cost our economy over £150 million. Better transport will help unlock more investment, create jobs, boost productivity, and drive further economic growth.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

“As our region’s plans grow stronger and our voice grows louder, we are already securing more investment for here in the West. Record transport funding for our part of the world needs to make a difference that people can see and feel.

“Getting the West of England moving remains our top priority, with better buses, more trains, safer walking and cycling, mass transit plans, and much more. Just last week, we named one of the five new train stations that we’re already delivering and it’s exciting to see work progressing around further new stations. And next week, will we be asking people to have their say on our developing Bus Plan to help shape a transport network that people can trust.”

Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said:

“South Gloucestershire residents deserve transport that is easy, reliable and genuinely convenient. The draft Local Transport Delivery Plan is a real chance to create the kind of high‑quality connections that make everyday journeys simpler, from the West Innovation Arc and our Science Park to the new community at Brabazon. We welcome the region’s proposals for better buses, more frequent rail and progress towards mass transit. These improvements will make it easier for people to get around, support thriving local places and give our communities more choice in how they travel.”

(Picture: West of England Mayoral Combined Authority)