The West of England’s political leaders have revealed a bold new Transport Vision designed to overhaul the region’s connectivity, reliability, and economic competitiveness. The plan outlines a future built on integrated journeys across buses, rail, mass transit, active travel, and improved streets and places, forming a backbone for long‑term regional growth.
Congestion remains a critical challenge, costing over £150 million in Bath and Bristol last year alone. As the region continues to be one of the UK’s fastest-growing economies, leaders are pushing for major investment to match that pace.
Crucially, the West of England is the largest UK city‑region without a mass transit system or a commitment to build one — a gap the new vision aims to close. Mass transit, whether via tram, light rail, or guided bus, offers high‑frequency, reliable journeys along dedicated corridors and is widely seen as essential for unlocking economic and environmental benefits.
In her foreword to the Transport Vision, the Mayor signals a shared political commitment to begin building mass transit within four or five years, supported by early concept designs for routes including Redcliffe Way and Bristol Airport — currently the only major UK regional airport without a fixed mass‑transit connection.
Key Priorities in the West’s Transport Vision
The strategy sets out clear ambitions for a fully connected region:
- More trains: new stations, more frequent services, low‑emission rolling stock
- Mass transit: high‑capacity routes linking major economic hubs
- Active travel: enhanced walking and cycling networks with e‑bikes/e‑scooters
- Better buses: reliable, affordable, with integrated ticketing and timetabling
- Improved streets: smoother roads, better pavements, EV charging, Park & Rides, and multimodal travel hubs
These enhancements are designed to reflect the needs of both urban and rural communities.
What Local Leaders Say
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“Nobody wants to sit stuck in traffic or hang around for a bus that never turns up. Our record transport investment secured from government must make a real difference that people across the West can see and feel. We can start to give people their time back: to be home sooner, get out into nature more, or visit the many attractions that make our part of the world so special.
“We need a transport system that people can trust, wherever they live. Together, we can and must deliver the integrated transport system that people need and deserve. As we lay the foundations with existing transport projects, and step things up a gear for better buses, more trains, and mass transit plans, we will seek our fair share of further funding to really get the West moving.”
Councillor Kevin Guy, Deputy Mayor and Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said:
“Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to a transport network that supports our growing communities, strengthens our local economy, and helps people move around easily and sustainably.
“This regional vision aligns with the work we’re already delivering - from improving travel choices to creating better-connected places - and will help us secure the investment needed to keep our area moving. We look forward to working closely with our partners to ensure residents and businesses feel the benefits of this long term plan.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:
“We have already seen how beneficial targeted investment in our city’s transport system can be, from our new fleet of eco-friendly buses to new train stations that better connect our communities. Yet, we continue to be held back by a transport network that struggles to maintain pace with the growing demands of our city.
“That is why this newly set out vision is so important. Bristol continues to punch above its weight culturally and economically, yet we are still crying out for real, sustained investment into our transport system. Through this plan, we can take the first steps to delivering the modern, reliable, and future proofed transport network, which includes a mass transit system, that our residents deserve and continue to unlock the full potential of our city centre and the wider region.”
Councillor Hugh Malyan, North Somerset Council, said:
“Getting around shouldn’t be a daily struggle. Investment in better buses, safer walking and cycling routes, improved rail links and well-maintained roads across the region will make every day journeys easier for people in North Somerset. By working with our neighbours across the West, we want to deliver practical, joined-up transport improvements that support local jobs and businesses and make a real difference in our towns, villages and rural communities.”
Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said:
“We welcome the Mayor’s new Transport Vision and the shared ambition to build a transport network people can trust. With significant growth across South Gloucestershire, we need transport improvements that help communities and businesses thrive, connecting people to key services and workplaces. That means reliable public transport, safe and accessible walking, wheeling and cycling. We will also be planning now for the next big changes in rail and mass transit. This vision is an important step towards giving people genuine choice in how we travel.”
Momentum Already Building
The region has already secured £752 million for buses, rail enhancements, and mass transit planning. Over 250 new green buses will be deployed by the end of the year, alongside new railway stations and stronger active‑travel investment.
The Transport Vision also references successful European comparators such as Toulouse and Malmo, and notes that 23 smaller French cities already have mass transit systems, highlighting the scale of opportunity for the West.
The plan emphasises transit‑oriented development, including new homes near key corridors and projects such as the reopening of the Portishead Line, new stations on the Henbury Line, and progress toward a Spatial Development Strategy.
Image credit: iStock
