New report says trams would solve Bristol transport problems
The group behind it says trams would be more cost effective than a proposed underground system
Last updated 1st Jul 2021
A major new report says trams are the answer to Bristol's transport problems.
It was commissioned by a new group called Moving Bristol Forward, says trams are more cost efficient than buses and the first line could be operational within five to seven years.
It comes four months after we exclusively reported that the West of England Combined Authority was seriously considering a tram network for the region.
The group says it is a campaign created through a partnership between Zero West (a group promoting the move to a zero carbon economy) and Transport for Greater Bristol Alliance (an allegiance of transport, environmental and community campaign groups aiming to improve public transport in and around Bristol).
Their report, which is 74 pages long, details how a tram network would be more cost effective than the underground system proposed by city mayor Marvin Rees.
It also says trams would be less polluting than buses and able to carry far more people.
The group suggests a tram network could be built along three routes with tracks on existing roads.
Line one would run from M5 junction 16 into the city centre featuring stops in Aztec West, Patchway, Filton and Bishopston.
Line Two would run from Temple Meads out towards Bath passing through Keynsham along the way, while Line Three would head out towards Bristol Airport, passing Bedminster, Hengrove and Bishopsworth among other places.
There would also be sub lines passing Cribbs Causeway and Southmead Hospital.
Those behind it say the report is offered as a "pre-feasibility study" to both Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority to help them develop their transport plans.
A summary of the report published by Moving Bristol Forward concludes, "that passenger demand will almost certainly be sufficient, and that there are no engineering or traffic management issues which would preclude on-street tramways on any of the routes."
"Hence a tram network along the lines envisaged is entirely feasible, technically and economically."
If you want to read the report in full, you can do so here.