Bristol is gearing up for a transformative transportation project as upcoming junction changes in the city centre aim to establish a seamless route for a potential new tram line. Stretching from the Long Ashton park and ride in the southwest, through the heart of Bristol, and extending along the M32, this corridor is designed to be almost entirely separated from general traffic, promising a major boost to public transit efficiency.
Over the next few years, extensive roadworks are set to take place at critical points including Bedminster Bridges roundabout, Redcliffe roundabout, Union Street, the Haymarket, and Bond Street. These upgrades will facilitate the extension of the Metrobus M2 service, ensuring buses flow freely without delays caused by traffic congestion.
City council transport officials believe this “red route” could form the backbone of Bristol’s first mass transit network. An update delivered at the transport policy committee meeting on May 15 highlighted the long-term vision behind these changes. Green Councillor Emma Edwards emphasized the forward-thinking strategy: “This route could eventually evolve into a mass rapid transit system—whether that means more buses or other modes. We’re preparing an unbroken route to tackle future transport challenges.”
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While debate continues over whether Bristol’s mass transit system will feature trams or bus rapid transit, the groundwork is underway. The West of England Combined Authority, responsible for developing mass transit plans, will ultimately determine the system’s form. Meanwhile, the current infrastructure improvements will enhance existing bus services.
Adam Crowther, head of city transport, stressed the importance of fully segregated transit lanes, saying, “Whether it’s bus or tram, segregation from traffic is crucial to prevent delays. Unreliable services discourage ridership, so dedicated lanes are essential.”
Though the introduction of new bus lanes on Bond Street is expected to worsen short-term traffic by reducing car space, officials hope the improved bus services and enhanced cycling routes will encourage commuters to leave their cars at home. This modal shift is vital to alleviating Bristol’s chronic congestion.
Labour Councillor Tim Rippington reinforced this vision: “One bus carrying 50 passengers should take priority over 25 cars stuck in traffic. Prioritizing buses is key to delivering the red route. The worst outcome would be building the infrastructure but delaying mass transit implementation for another decade.”
Modifications at the Redcliffe roundabout will also enable a future orbital bus service looping around the city centre, initially running anti-clockwise due to simpler left turns. Funding remains uncertain, but franchising could support this initiative.
The red route begins at the Long Ashton park and ride, proceeds along a bus-only road to Cumberland Road on Spike Island, and continues through improved junctions designed to speed bus movement. Redcliff Street, connecting Redcliffe roundabout to Victoria Street, will become bus-only, building on earlier measures like the bus gate on Bristol Bridge that restricts general traffic.
Plans also include extending bus lanes along the full length of the M32 and introducing a new park and ride facility, although debates over its location have delayed progress. In the long term, transforming the M32 into an A road could create space for bus or tram stops.
Transport leaders are preparing an outline business case exploring trams or bus rapid transit for a mass transit network, having ruled out an underground system due to prohibitive costs. Given the extensive planning involved, construction is not expected until the 2030s.
This ambitious plan positions Bristol toward a future of more reliable, efficient, and sustainable public transport, addressing current congestion while laying the groundwork for transformative change.