News / Transport
‘MetroWest Phase two will be transformative for sustainable transport in north Bristol’
Plans that could see a passenger train running from Henbury for the first time since 1964 have moved further down the tracks.
Bristol City Council’s cabinet member for transport hailed it a good news story as he announced the next stages for the long-awaited MetroWest phase two, which will see the line reopen and the provision of three new stations.
The project is a major part of improvements to infrastructure to cope with increased demand expected from an additional 105,500 new homes to be built in the area and the creation of around 82,500 jobs up to 2036.
Kye Dudd hailed it as a good news story
“Reliable transport services are an important part of the economic growth and housing growth coming down the line,” Kye Dudd told cabinet members at City Hall on Tuesday.
“It will re-open the line out of Henbury to passengers for the first time since the 60s.”
He said that ensuring the new stations at Ashley Down, North Filton and Henbury are built “to the highest standards of accessibility” is a top priority.
Under the plans, an hourly service will run along the Henbury line and there will also be an increased frequency of trains going to Yate.
Dudd added: “I know some people would like to see more frequent services. We need to see a bit more regional and local control over the rail system.”
Since MetroWest plans were first approved by the West of England Joint Transport Board in 2015, costs have escalated from an estimated £43.100m to £54.163m, leaving a question mark over the completion of phase two.
On Friday, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) approved an allocation of funds to plug the gap.
Following Friday’s meeting, regional mayor Tim Bowles, said: “Improved and more frequent rail services will give people better access to jobs, link new homes and communities with employment areas and encourage more people to use public transport.
“This is just part of the picture. Our long-term investment strategy proposes £350m for transport over the next 20 years.”
Speaking at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, transport campaigner Dave Redgewell warned the new Henbury station must be fit-for-purpose with the YTL arena plans forging ahead in Filton.
He said the current design is for a suburban station serving Cribbs Causeway and the new housing development, urging the council to have a conversation with the arena operators about footing the bill for any increased costs that might be associated with the new station design.
In a written question, Tom Brook, a Labour councillor for Bishopston and Ashley Down, welcomed the news, saying: “It is clear to me that the whole MetroWest Phase two scheme will be transformative for sustainable transport in north Bristol.”
He asked for further updates on when the Henbury line will reopen.
Read more: WECA’s multi-million-pound transport plans for Bristol region
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