Bristol City Council invest in more frequent trains

Bristol City Council invest in more frequent trains

Bristol City Council has committed £1.1 million to pay for an extra train on the Severn Beach branch line over three years. The decision was supported by all political parties at the 2007 budget meeting, in response to a campaign by Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways. FOSBR campaigned for a 30-40 minute service from Bristol Temple Meads to Avonmouth for a trial period which started on 18 May 2008 and runs until March 2011.

The decision shows that the Council has listened to voters. It also shows that it has the power to act as a transport authority and use the local rail network to cut congestion and reduce pollution. FOSBR is keen to work with the Council and with First to make sure that the trial period is a success.

FOSBR has questions about the three year contract:-

· what system of monitoring and reporting delays has FGW established with Bristol City Council?

· why is there a 60 minute gap from BTM between 0703 and 0803 and a 90 minute gap from 18.04 to 19.33. We expect this to be remedied in the December timetable.

· what criteria has BCC and the Severn Beach Line Development Plan to evaluate the success of the investment? Nottingham City Council will launch a subsidized Sunday service this year and has asked the DfT to continue with the investment after the trial period.

The case for rail

Half-hourly service to all stations is recommended in the four local councils’ 'Final Joint Local Transport Plan' 2006/7 – 2010.

Between 1995-6 and 2005-6 the number of people travelling to or from stations in South Gloucestershire increased 132%, to or from the City of Bristol by 96%, North Somerset 87% and Bath and NE Somerset 72%.

Congestion and road accidents cost the Bristol economy £1 million and £1.8million each week. (Bristol Local Transport Plan Update 2002). Road transport is responsible for 80% of transport CO2 emissions.

www.fosbr.org.uk severnbeach@hotmail.co.uk

· Bristol City Council currently under spends on public transport, spending £26 per head compared to the average of £47 per head. (BCC 2006 figures).