The West of England Combined Authority has unveiled a new Transport Vision that includes a high-capacity mass transit rail network connecting to Bristol Airport.
Currently, the West of England is the largest city-region in the UK without a mass transit system or a firm commitment to building one. The new vision confirms a shared political determination to begin construction of a mass transit network within four to five years.
Early concept images show tram or light rail-style vehicles running on dedicated routes, including a link to Bristol Airport, which is the only regional airport in the country without a fixed mass transit connection.
The Transport Vision outlines five priority areas:
- Better buses with more reliable and affordable services, supported by single tickets and coordinated timetables
- More trains, including new stations, more frequent services, and low-emission rolling stock
- Mass transit linking key economic centres with high-capacity, high-frequency routes
- Active travel improvements, including safer walking and cycling routes, plus e-bikes and e-scooters for short trips
- Upgraded streets and places, with smoother roads and pavements, additional electric vehicle charging points, Park & Ride expansion, and integrated travel hubs
The report draws comparisons with similarly sized European regions such as Toulouse and Malmö, where sustained investment in trams, metros, buses, and rail has coincided with strong economic performance. It also stresses the importance of building new homes near transport links, referencing projects such as the reopening of the Portishead Line and new stations on the Henbury Line.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:Nobody wants to sit stuck in traffic or hang around for a bus that never turns up. Our record transport investment secured from government must make a real difference that people across the West can see and feel. We can start to give people their time back: to be home sooner, get out into nature more, or visit the many attractions that make our part of the world so special.
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. As we lay the foundations with existing transport projects, and step things up a gear for better buses, more trains, and mass transit plans, we will seek our fair share of further funding to really get the West moving.
Delivery is already underway on several fronts. More than 250 new green buses are due to enter service across the region by the end of the year, alongside new railway stations and service enhancements. Authorities have secured 752 million GBP to support bus and rail improvements and develop mass transit plans.
A detailed Transport Strategy will now be developed to set out the infrastructure required to deliver the vision, alongside a separate Bus Plan on which local residents will be invited to give their views.
