Green light for Bath Package

The Government announced on 4 October that Bath & North East Somerset Council has achieved ‘programme entry’ for its Bath Transportation Package Bid.This means an important step towards implementing a £54m programme of much needed transport improvements in the city. The scheme has been developed through technical assessment and stakeholder and public consultation and comprises five core elements.

1. Bus Rapid Transit System

The new Bus Rapid Transit route will provide a step change in public transport provision for Bath. A more reliable and efficient east – west public transport link across Bath between Newbridge Park & Ride the City Centre and a new Park & Ride site to the east of the city.

The service will utilise a derelict railway line and operate through Bath Western Riverside. A length of segregated track away from traffic congestion will enable improvements in both journey time and reliability.

The BRT will use street car concept vehicles, which will have a modern image, high levels of accessibility and comfort and produce low emissions.

There will be real time information, with regularly updated displays at each BRT stop, accurately predicting the arrival time of the next journey.

A new off-bus ticketing system will be introduced to help speed up boarding times.

2. Expanded Park & Ride

Further development of Bath’s successful Park & Ride operation is needed to meet present and future demand.

The provision of additional spaces at the current Park & Ride sites, together with a new site East of Bath, will provide around 2,000 spaces effectively doubling the present provision to around 4,000.

The aim is to encourage more visitors and workers to make a more sustainable travel choice.

3. Showcase Bus Routes

The ten main bus routes in Bath will be upgraded to showcase standard. Improvements will include:

Enhanced bus priority measures such as new bus lanes; priority at some traffic signals, controlled junctions and new bus shelters.

Real Time Information, with updated displays at the busiest bus stops to predict the time of the next service.

Raised kerbs at all stops allowing ease of boarding for those with impaired mobility and for parents with pushchairs.

4. City Centre Proposals

In Bath’s main shopping streets, vehicle movements will be restricted during the core shopping hours in order to create a more attractive and safer shopping experience.

Vehicle restrictions, to be introduced in the High Street, Orange Grove and Grand Parade during the day, will allow for pedestrian enhancements including pavement widening and thereby enhancing the public realm.

The changes proposed are designed to reduce the conflict between vehicles and pedestrians.

5. Improved Transport Information

will help travellers to make better informed travel choices and highlight more sustainable travel options.

Variable Message Signage will encourage the use of Park & Rides and advise drivers of available parking spaces at City Centre car parks.