Bristol underground (again, again.)

[xenon]

been a couple of years so I spose it's time for this again. Apparently a Bristol metro system might need to incorporate tunnels. I know it's all in the local media and obvious comments like can't fix a footbridge in less than 8 months etc... Anyone think it or a tram system, something will ever happen?

Still not exactly sure what the guided bus system is supposed to do. I know, I've gone all local news comments but seriously, what...

'Tunnels may well be needed' for Bristol underground

Region's leaders will be presented with costs and timings for mass transit system

www.bristolpost.co.uk

 

[BristolEcho]

I actually like the idea to be honest, but not sure how necessary it is. I could see routes from places like Patchway, Barr's Court, Kingswood, Lawrence Weston into more central areas could be really important if priced correctly. The bus service isn't amazing and badly priced. The train service is obviously limited. I love underground trains so I'm biased.

I'm not sure trams work though we used to have them. I'm not sure how they fit down many of the narrow main routes?

I doubt any of it will get built.

 

[Dogsauce]

I think they could link Temple Meads to the centre via the old tunnel under St Mary Redcliffe, but they’d need another tunnel to get there in the first place due to stuff being built over the formation. Trouble is that there are a number of underground (and overground) rivers to contend with so not that straightforward.

 

[xenon]

A monorail would be great. Well, airtaxis and hypertubes would be best of course but you know.

 

[BristolEcho]

We'll be talking about this for another 30 years. I remember trams being suggested (again) when I was a teenager 20 years ago.

Also doesn't help that Bristol is also surrounded by other councils and none of them really want to work together I think. To make it viable it would need to cover as least Bristol and South Glos. Not sure how far in BANES starts.

 

[Isambard]

What I liked on a recent visit to Valencia in Spain was how they had different elements combined in their metro system, some tram, some suburban rail and some underground. And I think that may be a good idea for the Bristol area.

It's been talked about in Bristol loads of times, but the Portishead line still hasn't been re-opened and they won't be extending electrification to Weston......

 

[Dogsauce]

I recall there was some end of March deadline for giving the go-ahead for the Portishead line, if it wasn’t met many of the studies would have to be revisited at a cost of several million. I hope I have my dates confused, otherwise It almost seems like they’re trying to sink the proposal intentionally.

 

[Isambard]

I think that there quite possibly is a semi intentional movement to sink any kind of rail based transport improvement in the Bristol area and the Portishead line is a good example. Some kind of grubby corrupt unholy alliance between councillors, officials and a large transport company whose name I couldn't possibly mention would be my first thought in fact.

 

[Chilli.s]

The portishead link is practically all there, if that cant be done then anything else is going to be far far too difficult... except maybe a cable car up park st

 

[Dogsauce]

I think that there quite possibly is a semi intentional movement to sink any kind of rail based transport improvement in the Bristol area and the Portishead line is a good example. Some kind of grubby corrupt unholy alliance between councillors, officials and a large transport company whose name I couldn't possibly mention would be my first thought in fact.

The same company runs the trains, so that doesn’t work too well as a conspiracy!

Most of the problems really come down to the abolition of Avon county, and Portishead then being in a different administrative area to Bristol. No authority wants to invest in providing links to people who can’t even vote for them.

 

[Isambard]

A metro of some kind would very likely be a threat to First as competition, possibly under more local authority control. Which is why I think they are behind putting the kybosh on it. The thing they really like the idea of is some kind of guided busway infrastructure that doesn't threaten their operating position.

I think there needs to be some kind of transport authority not necessarily following exact council boundaries, abolishing Avon made it harder for sure.

 

[StoneRoad]

Historical point of info [for comparison].

Back pre 'bus deregulation' [1986 ?] the Tyne & Wear geographical area had what was designed as an integrated public transport system, for buses feeding into the light rail 'Metro' with the ticketing etc beings designed to help, not obstruct. A second factor helping was that private car ownership was relatively low. This was the "Tyne & Wear PTE" system and it worked remarkably well as all the local councils were involved.

Bristol isn't in that sort of position, especially politically.

 

[kebabking]

I recall a 'light rail' system being proposed to connect Thornburg, Filton, Yate, Chipping Sodbury etc.. into Bristol.

It was, dear Reader, 35+ years ago, and nothing came of it.

As ever, nice idea, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[xenon]

A metro of some kind would very likely be a threat to First as competition, possibly under more local authority control. Which is why I think they are behind putting the kybosh on it. The thing they really like the idea of is some kind of guided busway infrastructure that doesn't threaten their operating position.

I think there needs to be some kind of transport authority not necessarily following exact council boundaries, abolishing Avon made it harder for sure.

I've never understood what the supposed benefit of this guided bus thing is. What problem is it solving that regular buses can't.

nice to see you back BTW.

 

[Isambard]

A guided bus system is cheap and doesn't challenge the position of the established operator or significantly change the planning/funding/fares structure.

That's why they are all for it.