West of England Unveils Plans for £940m Transport Investment

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has outlined how it intends to invest a record £940 million in transport improvements, submitting initial proposals to the Department for Transport following consultation with local councils.

The draft plans set out a broad programme of investment aimed at improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth across the region. Key allocations include £150 million each for bus services, rail upgrades, and the development of a new mass transit system, alongside £50 million for walking and cycling schemes.

In addition, £59 million has been earmarked to explore future transport opportunities. This includes potential rail links between the Brabazon development and Bristol Parkway, increased service frequency across key growth areas, and the feasibility of new railway stations at locations such as Saltford and Ashton Gate. Plans also consider further electrification of rail services and expanded mass transit options serving emerging economic zones.

The proposals form part of a wider Local Transport Delivery Plan, which is due to be finalised later this year. They build on the region’s recently published Transport Vision, which outlines ambitions for a more integrated and sustainable network.

The vision focuses on improving bus reliability and affordability through simplified ticketing, expanding rail capacity with new stations and low-emission trains, and developing a high-capacity mass transit system linking major economic centres. It also prioritises active travel, improved road conditions, expanded electric vehicle infrastructure, and better integration between different modes of transport.

Transport investment is seen as a central pillar of the region’s 10-year Growth Strategy. Congestion alone cost the economies of Bath and Bristol more than £150 million last year, underlining the need for improved infrastructure to support productivity and future development.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said the funding represents a significant opportunity to deliver visible improvements for residents and businesses.

She said the priority remains to create a transport system that supports everyday journeys, with better buses, more trains, safer walking and cycling routes, and long-term mass transit solutions. She also highlighted ongoing progress on new railway stations and confirmed that public consultation on the region’s developing Bus Plan will begin shortly.

Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, welcomed the proposals, describing them as a chance to deliver more reliable and convenient transport for local communities.

She said the plans would help improve connections between key areas such as the West Innovation Arc, Science Park and new developments like Brabazon, while giving residents greater choice in how they travel.

The final plan, expected in the autumn, will set out how the funding will be delivered over the coming years, shaping the future of transport across one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional economies.