The proposals also include a mass transit network that is similar to a number of cities in Europe
Weca has unveiled a new ‘vision for transport’ in the West(Image: Weca)
Plans for major transport improvements across the Bristol and Bath region, including more trains and better buses, have been unveiled. The proposals are part of a 10-year growth strategy by the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), which published the report.
The plans include new public transport links between the centre of Bristol and the airport, such as an electric-powered tram or a light railway, as well as new train stations around the region and more frequent services. Weca has also suggested it could build a mass-transit system, linking “key economic centres” in the West of England, in the next four or five years.
Other proposals include better walking and cycling routes, and improvements to streets and pavements, as well as more electric vehicle charging points.
Weca has pledged to improve travel across the Bath and Bristol region after claiming congestion costs the local economy more than £150m.
“Nobody wants to sit stuck in traffic or hang around for a bus that never turns up,” said Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England. “We need a transport system that people can trust, wherever they live.
“Together, we can and must deliver the integrated transport system that people need and deserve.”
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “The West of England is a fantastic place to live and work, and local people deserve a transport network that gets them where they need to be quickly and easily. This vision lays out a clear plan for faster, greener, and more reliable journeys.”
The announcement comes less than a year after the government confirmed plans to fund more than £752m in transport improvements across the region.
Dave Lees, chief executive of Bristol Airport, said the transport hub would support the “further work needed” to make the transport plans “a reality in the future”. Currently, Bristol is the UK’s only regional airport without a fixed mass transit link.
“Much more could be done if the region works together,” he said. “It would enable more people get to the airport by public transport and as one of the biggest private sector employers locally, it would connect the thousands of jobs we offer to more people.”
Last year, Bristol Airport opened a £60m transport interchange, which included thousands of parking spaces and a bigger area for buses. In December, it also announced plans to replace its bus fleet with all-electric vehicles.
Councillor Hugh Malyan, cabinet member for highways and transport at North Somerset Council, said: “We want to deliver practical, joined-up transport improvements that support local jobs and businesses and make a real difference in our towns, villages and rural communities.”
The report assesses the progress made over the past 20 years in regions of Europe which are a similar size to the West of England Combined Authority area, including Toulouse in France and Malmo in Sweden.
Beyond the UK, around 23 cities in France that are smaller than Bristol have a mass transit system, while Utrecht, in the Netherlands, has a similar population and has three tramlines and more than 40 stations.
The document also sets out the importance of building new homes near transport links.
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, added: “Through this plan, we can take the first steps to delivering the modern, reliable, and future proofed transport network, which includes a mass transit system, that our residents deserve.”
