A Shadow Transport Minister visited Hartcliffe, Bristol, to see progress on the city’s MetroBus scheme.
Labour’s Daniel Zeichner MP was invited by Bristol South MP Karin Smyth to find out more about the rapid public transport project which is set to reduce journey times for thousands of commuters and residents.
They visited the site at Hareclive Road, Hartcliffe, which forms part of the MetroBus South Bristol Link route connecting Hengrove with Long Ashton via Hartcliffe, Withywood, Bishopsworth and Ashton Vale, to see how work is progressing to realign the road in order to accommodate the new vehicle routes.
Karin Smyth said: “It was good to have the opportunity to see first-hand how the maps and plans for the route are being brought to reality.
“People living in south Bristol want and need good public transport to connect them to decent job opportunities, and MetroBus is intended to offer a long-term opportunity to address some of the current gaps as well as significantly reducing many journey times to and from south Bristol communities.
“The vision for the south Bristol Link Route is an example of how transport planning can be made to join up with other local priorities. In Hengrove, for example, where the new community hospital, leisure centre and Skills Academy are sited close together, and where land is earmarked for new housing, there is a long-term need for efficient and affordable public transport.
“I know many local residents living close to the ongoing works have concerns about the short-term impact of the scheme, and that the current disruption is difficult for many of them, so I continue to welcome local views.”
When the scheme is operational, MetroBus vehicles will use segregated busways and bus lanes, and will be given priority over other traffic to help reduce passenger journey times.
The MetroBus rapid public transport project is run jointly by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Councils.