Bristol to Fund Bus Service Improvements with Clean Air Zone Revenue

Millions of pounds generated by Bristol’s clean air zone are earmarked for enhancing bus services in specific areas of the city. Starting in April, new and improved routes are scheduled to commence operation in various parts of the city, as part of an upcoming agreement with bus companies. Bristol City Council plans to invest £4.7 million over the next three years to support unprofitable bus routes in communities where residents depend on them. This initiative will encompass neighborhoods currently without any bus services and potentially introduce a new circular route designed to avoid the city centre. An update on these plans was provided to the transport police committee on Thursday, October 24, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The Clean Air Zone, launched in November 2022, generated £26 million within its first year. A task force comprising councillors is currently investigating the most effective ways to utilize some of the income from the clean air zone, having met five times since its formation to deliberate on priority areas. Labour Councillor Tim Rippington, who leads the task group, stated: “On Wednesday this week we met with four of the main bus operators in the city to ensure they were aware of our objectives and timetable.” He added, “All were happy that they would be able to respond to the tender process within the timetable we’ve laid out for them, so that’s good news.” The allocated funds will prioritize routes through areas presently lacking bus services and less affluent parts of Bristol, as well as connecting key destinations such as hospitals, schools, or stations. Routes passing through a liveable neighbourhood will also receive priority; the first liveable neighbourhood is being established in east Bristol, with another planned for the south of the city. Orbital routes will also be taken into consideration. These circular services could operate around the city, rather than following routes that enter the city centre and then extend to the suburbs. However, Mr. Rippington mentioned that bus companies anticipate these routes would “not be profitable at any time in the near future.” Night bus services could also receive a boost, and the group has requested information from every councillor regarding service gaps in their respective areas. This week, the group is examining initial proposals for new routes or modifications to existing ones. Subsequently, the plans will be finalized, and bus companies will be invited to bid for contracts to operate these services, which are scheduled to begin in April of next year. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.