Views sought on metrobus extension
Bristol City Council is asking for views on a proposed expansion to the current m1 metrobus route in the south of the city.
The council said the proposals will connect Hengrove Park Leisure Centre with Imperial Retail Park and will also provide a better bus service for residents in east Hartcliffe. The project will also improve the local walking and cycling route along Hawkfield Road in Hartcliffe.
If the scheme goes ahead, bus users will benefit from faster journey times and an improved user experience to and from the south of Bristol including Imperial Park, Hengrove Park, Bedminster, the city centre, University of the West of England (Frenchay) and Cribbs Causeway.
Having a bus stop at Imperial Park will also provide better access to the new ‘224’ Youth Zone between Hartcliffe Way and Hengrove Way, which is due to open in 2025.
Cllr Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: “The m1 is such an important route through Bristol, used by over 50,000 passengers a week and connecting south Bristol with the rest of the city. This expansion would see the bus service go further into Hartcliffe helping even more residents to use public transport and active travel as part of their daily routine as well as making the area safer for pedestrians. By adding to existing routes like this, we are helping travel to become more sustainable and offering more convenient options for people who have already changed, or have plans to change, the way they travel through the city.
“We want as many bus users, residents, students, local businesses and community groups as possible to tell us what they think of the plans for the expanded route, so do go along to our drop-in event or please fill in the short survey online and have your say.”
Following this consultation, the designs will be developed further before beginning a statutory consultation next year. If funding is agreed by WECA and the Department of Transport, construction would begin during 2026.
This initial consultation will run from Monday, 19 August to midnight on Monday, 30 September 2024.
