Earlier this month we saw the headline grabbing announcement from the UK government that the biggest ever package of funding to English regions for transport improvements would be given for the five years from 2027/8 (although some will be made available earlier to ensure projects can get going as soon as possible). At the time of that announcement the biggest projects set to benefit were to be in the north east, Manchester, West Midlands, and West and South Yorkshire; but they aren’t the only regions which will see extra money available.
We briefly mentioned in the initial article that the West of England (the largest areas in that region are around Bath and Bristol) were to receive £0.8 billion (the smallest settlement announced). That includes £200 million for Mass transit development between Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. We mused at the time hat it was unlikely to be trams or light rail, although it seems that the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority have not completely ruled that out.
In their own press release they state: “Significant funding, in the region of £200 million, would enable mass transit development between Bath, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. Trams, an extension of the popular Metrobus services, rail, light rail, and guided buses are all currently on the table. In the autumn, a new transport vision will set out the long-term direction of travel for the West of England.”
No commitment to anything but at least it shows they are at least thinking whether trams – which have long been discussed in both Bath and Bristol as possibilities – would be the most appropriate mode (although let’s be honest the £200 million assigned to this would probably barely touch the sides if it was to be trams).
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Our region has a strong economy overall, but we know that congestion has held the West of England back from achieving its full potential. We’ve been stuck in the slow lane on transport for too long. Our potential additional contribution to the national economy is enormous. It’s time to invest in the West and unlock that growth.
“I promised to work with government and get the West of England moving. Three-quarters of a billion pounds of new money for transport will do just that, as we start a new chapter for our region. Together, we need to accelerate plans to secure better buses, deliver more trains and railway stations, and give local people proper alternatives to their cars. Trams, Metrobuses, rail, light rail, and guided buses are all on the table to make that a reality.
“Over the years, as a region, we’ve talked too much about mass transit and delivered too little. It’s finally time to deliver a mass transit system that people can rely on. Working with the new government, and with genuine collaboration between local councils, it’s time for real change.”
I have not seen all of the announcements. Has the East Midlands got anything or have Nottingham, Leicester and derby been ignored as usual?
If only I had read on! So it’s a small amount which may join Nottingham to Derby by tram. Why when there are good rail and bus connections between the two cities?