Your say / WECA Mayoral Elections 2025
‘Our rail network has enormous untapped potential’
Our region deserves a modern, efficient and sustainable transport network that works for everyone.
As we look to the future, the decisions we make today about how we move around our communities will shape not just our daily journeys, but the air we breathe and the economic opportunities available to all of us.
For too long, residents across Bristol, Bath and our surrounding towns and villages have faced a fragmented transport system that fails to meet their needs.
is needed now More than ever
My plan will deliver seamless journeys with one ticket, one timetable across the entire region. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a system people can rely on and can afford to use every day.
Monthly travel passes will help families save money while supporting vital local bus routes. And we’ll tackle the persistent problem of unreliable services by getting more drivers behind the wheel of our buses.
It was great to meet with secretary of state Heidi Alexander recently to discuss my plans for the West of England and how a Labour mayor working with a Labour government will deliver the investment we need to get the West of England moving.
Heidi Alexander has been in the role of secretary of state since November 2024 – photo: Labour
I’m proud that our region will benefit from nearly £20m of government investment to bring 160 new zero-emission buses to our roads.
These greener, quieter buses will transform 22 different routes through Bristol alone, connecting passengers with vital services including hospitals and universities.
This investment is just the beginning.
If elected, I’ll work tirelessly to secure the funding our region needs to build a modern transport network that reduces our dependence on congested roads, slashes carbon emissions and creates the connections our growing economy needs to thrive.
Our rail network has enormous untapped potential.
I’m committed to transforming rail travel with the new Portishead line and opening more railway stations to improve connectivity—including Filton North, with plans for Saltford, St. Annes, Ashton Gate, and Charfield.
While I strongly support measures that create cleaner air and safer streets, I believe we must always put communities at the heart of planning.
My approach to transport planning will be fundamentally different—working with communities, not imposing solutions on them.
Take the example of the A4 Keynsham bypass bus lane.
After meeting with residents and hearing their concerns about how this scheme has made traveling between Bath and Bristol more difficult and less safe, I can commit that if elected, we would scrap this proposal and launch a proper consultation into the future of the A4.
Similarly, while I support the principles behind Liveable Neighbourhoods, I’ve seen first-hand in areas like Barton Hill how poor implementation and lack of meaningful engagement can undermine otherwise valuable initiatives.
I will ensure future schemes are co-designed with communities, particularly considering the needs of older people, those with disabilities, and residents who rely on cars for work or mobility.
My transport plan recognises that different communities have different needs.
While we’ll prioritise sustainable options, I understand that many people—particularly in rural areas, those with disabilities, or those working in sectors like healthcare—still rely on cars.
Our region’s roads have suffered from neglect for too long. I welcome the £6.7m funding to repair potholes across the West of England, and I’ll ensure this money is spent effectively and transparently.
Under my leadership, we’ll focus on long-term preventative maintenance and give communities a clear say in where work should be prioritised.
By putting communities first and taking a strategic regional approach, we can build a transport network that works for everyone.
One that connects our cities, towns, and villages with reliable, affordable services.
One that makes sustainable travel the easy choice. And one that truly serves the needs of all our residents.
The West of England deserves better than the fragmented, unreliable system we have today. With your support on May 1, I’ll deliver the modern, integrated network our region needs to thrive.
This is an opinion piece from Helen Godwin, Labour candidate for WECA mayor.
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Main photo: Labour
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