Leaders across the West of England have welcomed a transformative funding injection of more than three-quarters of a billion pounds, earmarked for significant transport projects across the region. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has announced plans to more than double investment in local transport in England’s city regions, reinforcing a commitment to “investment in all parts of the country, not just a few.”
Approximately £150 million of the newly announced funds will be dedicated to further improving rail infrastructure across the region. This is set to support ambitions for four trains per hour across the growing suburban rail network, including crucial connections between key economic growth zones such as Brabazon and Bristol Temple Quarter.
This good news follows a period of concentrated effort in improving the region’s transport network. The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority area has already seen a nearly 50% increase in funding for pothole repairs this year compared to last. Continued funding through transport settlements is supporting the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of roads, bridges, and active travel routes. These essential improvements, delivered through close collaboration between local councils and the Mayoral Combined Authority, are not solely about upkeep; they are enabling the long-term transformation of how people move around the region.
The announcement comes just a day after the opening of Bristol’s first electric bus depot in Hengrove, with electrification set to extend to Bath and Lawrence Hill next year. Over 250 new electric buses are anticipated to serve passengers across the region in the coming year. Some £200 million of the new Treasury funding will provide scope to improve and extend services, revolutionise the bus network, and deliver an electric fleet alongside its associated charging infrastructure.
A significant portion of the funding, in the region of £200 million, will enable the progression of mass transit development connecting Bath, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. Various options are currently under consideration, including trams, an extension of the popular Metrobus services, conventional rail, light rail, and guided buses. A new transport vision, setting out the long-term direction of travel for the West of England, is expected to be unveiled in the autumn.
Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, welcoming the news one month after taking office, said: “Our region has a strong economy overall, but we know that congestion has held the West of England back from achieving its full potential. We’ve been stuck in the slow lane on transport for too long. Our potential additional contribution to the national economy is enormous. It’s time to invest in the West and unlock that growth. I 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. 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. Over the years, as a region, we’ve talked too much about mass transit and delivered too little. It’s 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’s time for real change.”
Sarah Warren, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, commented: “This investment marks a turning point for sustainable transport in our region. It is a huge opportunity to deliver a cleaner, greener and more connected future that our communities deserve. From progressing mass transit options to electrifying our bus fleet across Bath & North East Somerset, this investment will help us tackle costly congestion, achieve our net zero targets, and make it easier for people to choose public transport, walking and cycling. On top of the work that’s already being achieved in B&NES, this is welcome news for our region. We look forward to working with our regional partners to deliver a transport system fit for the 21st century.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “This fresh investment is very welcome and allows us to finally begin to achieve the regional mass transit system we’ve needed for so long. Our plans are already in place to make our bus networks more available, to expand the reach and access of rail and to connect the communities of Bristol with opportunities in our city and the wider West of England. This new funding will allow us to get on with creating the transport system Bristol is crying out for. I look forward to working with Helen and my fellow leaders to deliver for the people in our region.”
Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, added: “We’re very pleased to see this significant funding coming to the West of England that will help us move towards a fully integrated public transport system that works for residents and businesses. Investment in the region’s transport infrastructure is vital to help people keep moving around the area and we need better, more reliable bus services, more trains, and a mass transit system to offer more effective and sustainable travel choices.”
Cllr Mike Bell, the Leader of North Somerset Council, welcomed the funding: “I welcome this funding as a positive step forward for our region. It’s vital that North Somerset benefits from mass transit development, which has the potential to transform how people travel and support our transition to a greener, more connected future. I’m committed to working closely with the Mayor and our partners to improve transport, unlock growth, and ensure our local economy continues to thrive.”
The new government outlined this record settlement to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through ‘Transport for City Regions’ as part of the Plan for Change, ahead of next week’s Spending Review. The West of England has demonstrated strong economic performance, delivering the strongest recent growth of any combined authority area (3% in 2023). The region is also predicted to achieve double the national forecast rate of productivity growth by 2040, underscoring the potential for this investment to further accelerate its economic trajectory.
