New express bus service could be launched

Similar to the Metrobus services, the new “rapid transit route” would end at either the University of the West of England or Emersons Green

A new express bus service could be launched with three stops along the M32 motorway.

The plans in Bristol include changing some roads in the city centre to allow the segregated service to run from the south-west to the north-east of the city.

Three new bus stops would be created in Stoke Park, St Werburghs and St Pauls, and new bus lanes would also be installed along the M32.

The public can comment on the proposals until 30 September on the council’s website.

Similar to the Metrobus services, the new “rapid transit route” would end at either the University of the West of England or Emersons Green.

South of the city centre, the route would follow the existing one taken by the M2 bus.

Faster route

The TravelWest website said: “This is part of a larger ambition for a rapid transit network of fast, frequent, reliable, high-quality services running across the city.

"In the central area, the route isn’t currently physically possible. This project would do that and would make the route faster."

South of the city centre, the council has already built a bus-only road and a bus-only bridge, and installed a bus gate on Cumberland Road.

North of the centre, the M32 could be reclassified and turned into an A road.

A bus gate would be installed on Redcliff Street, to stop the new service getting stuck in traffic.

Beginning in the Long Ashton Park and Ride, the route would run from Cumberland Road over Redcliff Hill and the Bristol Bridge, and then along Union Street and up the Haymarket.

Transport changes for the city centre include making Union Street two-way for buses and banning taxis and motorcycles, as well as creating a new junction with the Haymarket.