RT bid approved by councils

The West of England’s Rapid Transit Route between Temple Meads in Bristol and Ashton Vale in North Somerset is the subject of a major scheme bid to government from the West of England Partnership. (18 February 2009)

The route is one of a package of transport improvements planned or taking place in for the West of England that already includes the £70 million on the Greater Bristol Bus Network, the £22 million for Greater Bristol Cycling City, plus the £54 million Bath Package bid already in and the £20 million Weston Package, also approved by North Somerset Council yesterday and due to be submitted in March.

The route - estimated to cost around £48million - is planned to connect Ashton Vale with Temple Meads, via Bristol city centre, linking in with the wider regional bus and road network from Nailsea, Portishead, Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare and aimed at encouraging commuters and shoppers out of their cars.

10% of the funding is to be found locally from a combination of planning agreements with local developers and existing regional transport funding through the Joint Local Transport Plan.The remaining cost is the subject of the major scheme bid to the Department of Transport, from the West of England Partnership.The majority of the route lies within Bristol, with a small section within North Somerset.  

Bristol City Council approved the bid on 2 February 2009.

North Somerset approved the bid on 17 February 2009.

The bid is based on streetcar-style vehicles on rubber wheels. This technology delivers the benefits of other transit technologies but is more flexible, cost effective and can be delivered within the current programme and available funding from Government.

As well as the new rapid transit vehicles, operators meeting high quality standards will be able to run feeder services on the corridor to connect to Weston-Super-Mare, Nailsea and Clevedon. By avoiding congestion, these services would benefit from more reliable and faster journeys.

There will be an emphasis on enhancing / providing parallel walking and cycling routes. This will create a high quality dedicated vehicle-free path linking the city centre to the Long Ashton Park & Ride, building upon the Connect2 and Cycling City projects that continue to Nailsea.

If the DfT gives the necessary approvals for the project, construction could start as soon as 2011.

Councillor Mark Bradshaw, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development at Bristol City Council, said: “The public mood is for a transformation in our public transport system on the back of new investment and cooperation between neighbouring councils.“Our plans for the first rapid transit route will complement the £70m investment in the key arterial bus corridors and the £23m available to our city as a result of being the first Cycling City. And it fits with our aspiration to attract Transport Innovation Fund money to the sub-region, with the support of our neighbouring councils, to make the really huge step change we need, offering a more reliable, convenient and affordable alternative to daily car use. 

“The proposals for rapid transit between Long Ashton and Temple Meads offer the prospect of a quality, reliable and affordable public transport network – this is critical for combating congestion, improving air quality, supporting our sub-regional economy and in providing the services that the people of Bristol want, need and deserve.”

Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, North Somerset Council’s deputy leader and executive member for transport commented: ”The benefits to residents in North Somerset are very clear. The rapid transit will offer an alternative way to get into the centre of Bristol from the outskirts of the city in particular via the existing park and ride site at Ashton vale. We look forward to this link becoming reality as soon as possible”

Councillor Brian Allinson, South Gloucestershire’s executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment, said: "The West of England Partnership is bidding for funds and exploring a range of schemes, as well as pressing ahead with existing ones including the Greater Bristol Bus Network and Cycling City, that will help to improve public transport and ease congestion in the region."

Notes:

Benefits to passengers include: 

• Journey time reliability
• Reduced journey times achieved by rapid transit separation from other traffic and priority over other road users
• Improved ticketing and payment
• Turn up and go service frequencies
• High quality stops and infrastructure
• Modern, environmentally friendly vehicles
• Real time electronic information
• High quality walk and cycle links built-in
• High quality ride and accessible, comfortable system 

 The West of England Partnership is exploring the potential range of alternative fuels for the core service, and feeder services would need to meet quality thresholds. These would offer considerable environmental improvements with lower noise levels, fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less harmful local pollutants. 

The route which forms the basis of the bid links key developments and transport hubs in the city including:

• Temple Meads Station
• The new development at Temple Quay
• The new-look Cabot Circus
• The Centre
• The Museum of Bristol development at Wapping Wharf
• Spike Island / Cumberland Road
• The potential new stadium for Bristol City FC
• Long Ashton Park & RideRoute options are currently being evaluated in the city centre to ensure a delay free route for passengers. 

 Protecting and enhancing our environment is an important part of the rapid transit scheme:  

• Reducing congestion,
• Reducing emissions,
• Encouraging cycling and walking,
• Protecting natural habitats

 Work on an Environmental Impact Assessment has already begun. This assessment will ensure all potential impacts from construction and operation of rapid transit are understood and reduced as far as possible. 

The bid was the subject of a detailed public consultation running throughout November 2008.