Bristol is one step closer to benefitting from £48m worth of improvements to its public transport system, Transport Minister Paul Clark announced today whilst visiting the city.

The plans, which have received initial Government approval, involve creating a new express bus service – called a Rapid Transit Route – from Long Ashton Park and Ride to Bristol Temple Meads and on to Cabot Circus, Broadmead and the Centre.  A significant part of the route would be on dedicated roads and bus lanes.

There are also plans to increase bus services on the Ashton Vale to Temple Meads route.

The aim of the scheme is to ease congestion and reduce journey times for commuters and it is part of a series of bus improvements planned in the West Country.

Transport Minister Paul Clark said:

“An efficient and reliable transport system is the lifeblood of every local community. This is why we’re investing significant amounts of money in Bristol's infrastructure.

“Today's announcement seeks to tackle congestion in the city, whilst presenting real alternatives to the car.

"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."

Also included in proposals are:

·        parallel cycling lanes and routes for pedestrians between the Museum of Bristol and Long Ashton Park and Ride

·        additional bus services to provide faster journey times and improved reliability for services to Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Nailsea

·        ticket machines at bus stops and user-friendly electronic information displays

Today's decision means that Bristol City Council can move forward with detailed planning for the scheme.