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Bristol could soon get a tram system similar to the one in Manchester (Photo by Anthony Devlin\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe investment will improve transport infrastructure across the regionBristol could soon get a tram system similar to the one in Manchester (Photo by Anthony Devlin\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Trams and light rail are \u201con the table\u201d for Bristol following a major boost for the city\u2019s hopes of a mass transit system<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Treasury will today (June 4) announce almost \u00a3800million of transport funding for the South West – \u00a3200million of which will be for developing some sort of mass transit network.<\/p>\n The investment will improve rail infrastructure across the region, including funding to support WECA\u2019s ambitions for increased frequency of services between Brabazon and the city centre.<\/p>\n Funding is also allocated for mass transit development between Bristol, Bath<\/a>, South Gloucestershire<\/a> and North Somerset<\/a>.<\/p>\n The boost to the region comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces billions of pounds of investment in public transport.<\/p>\n The \u00a315.6 billion package for mayoral authorities is expected to include funding to extend the metros in Tyne and Wear, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, along with a renewed tram network in South Yorkshire and a new mass transit systems in West Yorkshire.<\/p>\n Announcing the investment in a speech in Manchester today, the Chancellor will argue that Britain \u201ccannot rely on a handful of places forging ahead of the rest of the country\u201d and champion a \u201cnew economic model \u2013 driven by investment in all parts of the country\u201d.<\/p>\n Helen Godwin, the Labour<\/a> mayor of the West of England, said: \u201cOur region has a strong economy overall, but we know that congestion has held the West of England back from achieving its full potential.<\/p>\n “We\u2019ve been stuck in the slow lane on transport for too long. Our potential additional contribution to the national economy is enormous.<\/p>\n \u201cI promised to work with government and get the West of England moving. Three-quarters of a billion pounds of new money for transport will do just that, as we start a new chapter for our region.<\/p>\n “Together, we need to accelerate plans to secure better buses, deliver more trains and railway stations, and give local people proper alternatives to their cars. Trams, Metrobuses, rail, light rail, and guided buses are all on the table to make that a reality.<\/p>\n \u201cOver the years, as a region, we\u2019ve talked too much about mass transit and delivered too little. It\u2019s finally time to deliver a mass transit system that people can rely on. Working with the new government, and with genuine collaboration between local councils, it\u2019s time for real change.\u201d<\/p>\n Ms Godwin is understood to be sharing more information on her plans to spend the cash today.<\/p>\n However, it is understood that in addition to the \u00a3200million on mass transit there will be \u00a3150million invested in local rail to increase the frequency of services between the new Brabazon development and the city centre.<\/p>\n The word \u201cunderground\u201d – the pet project of former Bristol mayor Marvin Rees<\/a> – was noticeably absent from any communications from either the Treasury and Ms Godwin.<\/p>\n Last month, Bristol Live reported how upcoming changes to several junctions<\/a> in the city centre will lay an \u201cunbroken\u201d path for a potential new tram line.<\/p>\n The route would stretch from the Long Ashton park and ride south-west of Bristol, through the city centre, and then up the M32, almost completely separated from traffic.<\/p>\n Over the next couple of years, major roadworks will take place on the Bedminster<\/a> Bridges roundabout, the Redcliffe roundabout, Union Street, the Haymarket and Bond Street.<\/p>\n These will allow the Metrobus M2 service to be extended and never get held up in queues of cars.<\/p>\n