Bristol 'to receive public transport upgrades'

Date: 17/3/2010

New bus and cycle lanes and the creation of a new express bus service are part of the plans announced today designed to improve Bristol's public transport system.

As much as £43 million could be invested into the city's infrastructure to tackle congestion and offer people alternatives to travelling by car.

One of the main features of the planned improvements is a new express bus service called a Rapid Transit Route, a large part of which would run along dedicated roads and bus lanes.

The service is to run from Long Ashton Park and Ride to Bristol Temple Meads and then to Cabot Circus, Broadmead and the centre.

Bus services are also to be increased between Ashton Vale and Temple Meads.

Transport minister Paul Clark commented: "The West of England is a prosperous area with a good standard of living and its reputation is growing internationally. So it is only right that it has a world class transport system to match."

Weston-Super-Mare is also to benefit from transport upgrades.