Trams: the best mass transit choice for Bristol

TramForward welcomes a new report showing how trams could return to Bristol. The expert study builds on the wide agreement that Bristol needs a new mass-transit system to ease gridlock and clean the air.

Detailed appraisal of three essential tram routes shows they are economically viable. And there are no engineering or traffic management blockers to installation.

The report suggests that the routes are suitable for “new generation” trams, which would cost up to 50 per cent less per kilometre than conventional tram systems. Bristol could leapfrog other cities, adopt this technology, and achieve a substantial shift from car use, the study says.

The report is offered as a “pre-feasibility study”, as Bristol Council and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) develop their proposals for a new mass transit system. Ideas mooted before the two mayoral elections in May included a mixed under- and-overground system. WECA plans a consultation on the options this summer.

Emilia Melville, co-ordinator of the Moving Bristol Forward Campaign, said, “We have submitted our report to all the local authorities in the region and to WECA as a contribution to this vital discussion. We look forward to engaging with them as we continue to argue for efficient, equitable, low carbon transport in Bristol and WECA region. Trams are top of our list for more detailed consideration in planning for a 21st century transport system for our city.”

Paul Rowen, LRTA Chair, said: “This is an excellent, well researched report, which shows that trams can make a positive economic and environmental impact in the renaissance of our cities. I hope that local politicians will use this report as a basis for building Bristol back better.”

A summary and the full report are available at https://www.movingbristolforward.co.uk/tram-study

Contact Jim Harkins