The leader of North Somerset Council has emphasized the importance of including the area in upcoming mass transit developments, as the UK government allocates three-quarters of a billion pounds to transport improvements in the West of England.
West of England Metro Mayor Helen Godwin revealed that the new mass transit network could feature trams, light rail, or guided bus services. Although North Somerset is not officially part of the West of England Combined Authority, both government officials and the authority have confirmed plans to incorporate the region into the mass transit system.
Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, welcomed the funding as a significant step forward, stating: “It’s vital that North Somerset benefits from mass transit development, which has the potential to transform travel, foster greener transport options, and strengthen our local economy. I am committed to collaborating with the mayor and partners to improve connectivity and unlock growth.”
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Highlighting the transport gap, Mayor Godwin pointed out that Bristol Airport, located in North Somerset, remains the only UK airport without mass transit connections. “We must explore routes linking the airport to the network,” she said.
This funding package is separate from plans to reopen the Portishead Railway, which local leaders and the government aim to have operational by 2027. The railway project’s funding is currently under review in the upcoming spending announcement, with Godwin expressing cautious optimism about its future.
Of the total £752 million allocated to the West of England as part of a larger £15.6 billion government investment across nine combined authorities, approximately £200 million will support the mass transit system. However, this initial sum is insufficient to build the entire network, which was previously estimated to cost billions.
Mayor Godwin clarified expectations: “We won’t have a complete mass transit network in five years, but this funding sets us on a fixed path toward delivery, which is crucial.” She acknowledged the region’s slow progress, noting that, despite the combined authority being nine years old, this investment marks a new beginning.
Additional funding will enhance bus services and suburban rail networks, with £150 million dedicated to increasing train frequency to four services per hour. Godwin remained open to various transport modes, saying, “I’m mode agnostic—what matters most is effective transport solutions, not the specific technology.”