The map shows new stops and four routes connecting the city and beyond.
We’re all suckers for maps (whether we like to admit it or not). From maps plotting green spaces to underground stations we can’t get enough of them, and this brand new map that could become a reality in Bristol is no different.
The West of England Combined Authority and Bristol City Council have revealed more details about the major transport changes coming to the city and beyond, which includes a £4bn network of underground and overground lines and more segregated bus routes. And as part of this transport proposal, the preferred routes for the new multi-billion pound mass transit system in Bristol have been mapped out for the first time.
Travel in Bristol is changing, for the better. We have a vision to deliver a public transport network that is:
🚈 fast and reliable
🚇 over and underground
🚃 separate to traffic
🌍 greenIt’s ambitious, but achievable – connecting us to each other, jobs, study and leisure pic.twitter.com/ZSibtgyIM4
— Bristol City Council (@BristolCouncil) March 11, 2021
The publication of this map comes as Bristol aims to create a “fast, reliable and affordable” way to connect people across the city. Bristol’s mayor Marvin Rees said the underground lines will not necessarily mirror the tube system on the London Underground, and could even use technology such as driverless pods or trams. Plus, Bristol could also get its very own equivalent of the Oyster card, which is used on London transport services.
Mayor Marvin Rees first expressed hopes in 2017 for Bristol to have its own underground, and a significant update has now been shared after a £1.5m investigation of the potential options. Despite previous criticism of the these plans, the city mayor has now said he expects it will become a reality within the next 10 to 15 years, with bus and rail upgrades delivered sooner (between five to 10 years).
The map, which offers a “snapshot” of what’s to come, shows the proposed overground and underground routes in orange, with four in total connecting the city centre with Bristol Airport, Cribbs Causeway, Emersons Green and the A4 corridor towards Bath. Stops along the way appear to include the YTL Arena currently under construction, Southmead Hospital, Montpelier, Knowle, Hengrove, Hareclive Road, the A38 park and ride, Arnos Vale, Old Market, Lawrence Hill, St George, Kingswood and Emersons Green.
Segregated bus routes and rail routes are also shown on the map, as well as new park and ride sites at the M32, Hicks Gate, the A4018 and at either end of the A38 to the north and south of the city. Plus, there are a number of proposed new railway stops plotted on the map such as St Anne’s, Ashton Gate, Henbury, Ashley Down and Lockleaze.
The West of England Combined Authority, which has spending powers for the region’s transport, is working on the options with Bristol and neighbouring areas such as Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Bristol City Council has said the proposal is not finalised, and an outline business case is expected to be put forward to the Department for Transport in spring or summer of this year, with a public consultation taking place at a later date.