New report highlights need for major infrastructure investment in West of England
Metro Mayor Dan Norris says the report 'highlights what we all know'
A new report has been published today - and has identified the West as one of four city regions which are in need of improvements to their public transport systems.
It's been published by the National Infrastructure Commission, a body which is responsible for providing expert advice to the UK Government on the challenges facing the country in regards to its infrastructure.
It's been confirmed in the new report that the West of England need billions of pounds to get back on track.
One of the recommendations of the second National Infrastructure Assessment - a five yearly review conducted by the NIC - is giving four places a two thirds share of £22bn funding for major public transport schemes.
This would include the Greater Bristol area, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds - and comes as they found just half of Bristol's population can currently reach the city centre by public transport within half an hour.
This is something the Commission notes is worse than for many European cities of a comparable size.
Mayor Dan Norris said: “This report highlights what we all know - that there is a need for major investment in public transport in the West of England.
"It makes it clear too that we are in a competitive race for funds with other parts of the country.
"That is why any plan I take to government must be affordable, realistic and deliverable. It’s precisely why I only back overground options for improved public transport. Buses and one day trams, or very light rail meet these tests.
"Local people don’t want to be stuck in traffic jams. Big change is also required to achieve the sort of carbon reductions we need to see from transport.
"There is no money attached to this report, but it is useful to have national recognition of the scale of the challenge the West of England faces on public transport.”