The Metrobus M1 service currently runs from Cribbs Causeway to Hengrove(Image: Bristol City Council )

Bristol Live readers are interested to hear that the Metrobus M1 service could be expanded next year into Hartcliffe, stretching beyond its present terminus in Hengrove. Bristol City Council is also planning improved cycle lanes along the new route.

Transport chiefs at the council are optimistic the expansion will encourage more residents to travel by bus, bicycle or on foot, rather than by car. This ought to cut damaging air pollution and climate-heating carbon dioxide emissions, whilst making the streets safer and less clogged with traffic.

The proposals will be examined by councillors on the transport policy committee next week. Should they give their backing, a comprehensive business case would be forwarded to the West of England Combined Authority.

A committee report stated: “The changes proposed will reallocate road space from cars to cyclists and pedestrians, will create a safer environment for women and children using public transport in the area, and create closer public transport links for disabled people and living within the new housing development.”

Plans are afoot to extend the M1 from Hengrove Park to Imperial Park, taking a route via William Jessop Way and Hawkfield Road. Additionally, a two-way segregated cycle lane is proposed along Hawkfield Road, upgrading it from its current status as a “shared use” path. With hundreds of new homes being built in the vicinity, there’s expected to be a surge in demand for city access. The project carries an estimated price tag of £4 million.

Green Councillor Ed Plowden, who chairs the transport policy committee, commented on the proposal last year, stating: “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.”

He further added, “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.”

Commenter Jjjjjj complains: “More buses for South Bristol and still we only get a once an hour bus in our area of East Bristol. The 42 bus needs an urgent upgrade to half hourly.”

Asmodeus says: “The typical passenger capacity of a double decker bus is 70-90, whilst the latest type of tram can take 510 or more, so that would be an even greater switch from cars and road space being released for other uses. Moreover, tram journeys would be faster and offer more comfort to passengers, particularly at peak travelling hours.”

Bishopbenj replies: “The trouble is the expense of a tram system. £4m would buy nothing; £40m would be a start.”

Dave Semple adds: “I’ll believe it when I see it. There’s been talk about having a tram way in Bristol for over 30 years.”

Administratorerror asks: “When did you last see a full bus? Capacity is not the limiting factor, its drivers being attached to their cars.”

Blackbeard83 disagrees: “Buses are full all the time!”

Downtowngirl wonders: “Cycle paths alongside the express bus route? How many cyclists use the path along the Hartcliffe Way? Think in the past five years I may have seen 10.”

Webbo3 grumbles: “A bus in South Bristol? That would be a novelty, we are meant to see a 75 at some point during the day but they are like hens teeth, in fact ANY bus will do.”

Fadinging explains: “That’s because they are all stuck in loads of roadworks in North Bristol! How can they run to timetable when all the roads are being dug up? The M1 has had miles of diversions for the last 6 months and now they are going to dig up the road that heads to UWE for 10 weeks plus.”

Are you happy to see an increase in buses in South Bristol? Do you think Metrobus does a good job? Have your say in our comments section.