West of England Metro Mayor Helen Godwin has revealed that establishing a mass transit link between Bristol city and Bristol Airport is not only feasible but also has the potential to open up significant housing and economic opportunities. Speaking to Bristol Live, Godwin described the project as a “really exciting opportunity” that could transform connectivity and support new residential developments in the area.
The proposed mass transit scheme could link Bristol Airport directly with the city, bridging the gap between South Bristol and the airport while facilitating thousands of new homes. North Somerset council recently approved a local plan for the next 15 years, which includes up to 4,000 new homes near Woodspring Golf Course along the A38 corridor—Bristol’s main road connecting the city and the airport.
While details on the form this mass transit system might take—whether tram, light rail, underground, or rail link—remain undecided, Mayor Godwin is clear on the need for this critical infrastructure. “It absolutely should be possible,” she said, emphasizing Bristol’s unique position as the only major UK airport without a dedicated mass transit link to its city center. She noted that such a system could unlock opportunities for South Bristol communities while helping to meet government housing targets.
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Since her May election, Godwin has fostered a closer working relationship with Bristol Airport’s management, contrasting with the previous metro mayor’s opposition to airport expansion. Both Godwin and North Somerset MP Sarah al-Hassan have publicly supported the airport’s growth plans, which included an expansion to handle up to 12 million passengers annually.
Despite national transport funding being smaller than that received by cities like Manchester and Leeds, Godwin remains confident in securing backing for the project. The West of England region was allocated £752 million for transport infrastructure, a sum she describes as significant and appropriately scaled per capita. She stresses the importance of using these funds wisely and collaboratively with other authorities to develop a well-planned transit scheme.
Engineering challenges remain, however. Bristol Airport is situated atop Lulsgate Hill at around 170-190 meters above sea level, while the nearest mainline railway station at Nailsea & Backwell lies at just 14 meters. Connecting the airport to the rail network would require overcoming a steep elevation gain over a short distance—a factor that has complicated planning efforts in the past.
Currently, bus services connect the airport to Bristol, Bath, and Weston, but these are infrequent, particularly late at night, with taxi fares reaching up to £50 into the city center. The existing A1 bus route takes a circuitous path along the A38 and edges around South Bristol neighborhoods, making public transport access less convenient.
North Somerset’s Local Plan includes creating a new town or major urban extension near the 2017 South Bristol Link Road, with housing developments west of the A38 and near Barrow Gurney reservoirs. The cheapest transit solution might be upgrading the A38 to accommodate segregated tram-like vehicles or road-based buses. However, Mayor Godwin envisions a more ambitious plan, potentially routing light rail or trams through Dundry Hill and deeper into South Bristol areas such as Knowle West, Hartcliffe, and Withywood, to maximize benefits for these communities.
In summary, the vision for a Bristol Airport mass transit connection presents an integrated opportunity to improve regional transport, support housing growth, and strengthen economic ties between the city and surrounding areas. While challenges remain, momentum appears to be building toward realizing this long-discussed project.