Overview
Bath City Centre project aims to improve walking, wheeling and cycling in the historic city, as well as address improvements to bus services. Both will enable more travel choices, healthier places and people, and greater connectivity in and out of the city centre.
Since public consultation in 2023, the project has been divided into phases. The first phase concentrates on walking, wheeling and cycling improvements. Phase 2 looks at implementing bus infrastructure improvements aimed at providing better journey times and reliability.
It is one of several City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) projects being developed in Bath. It will work alongside other transport strategy initiatives in the city to support our community's travel choices.
Bath City Centre Phase 2: bus improvements
Following a public consultation period in December 2023 and after carefully listening to residents, businesses and visitors, we have continued exploring options to improve our bus services in the city centre.
Further technical testing was carried out on the previously proposed Amsbury Junction redesign after the consultation. This work showed that the redesign would significantly increase journey times for all modes of travel. To ensure the best value for money, and to avoid negative impacts on travel across the network, the project team took the opportunity to re‑evaluate the options for improving bus journeys. Improving travel choices is a key priority in our Corporate Strategy. As part of this, Phase 2 of Bath City Centre will focus on bus infrastructure changes in the city. These will look at ways to improve passenger experience and make public transport more reliable.
Our current proposals
The project is split into two parts:
- improvements to reduce bus delays and congestion on Westgate Buildings, to be delivered early summer 2026
- upgraded Variable Messaging Signage (VMS), to be delivered summer 2026
Westgate Buildings
Following feedback from bus drivers and users, it is proposed to move the Park and Ride bus stop on Westgate Buildings. This is to reduce congestion on the road, improve safety and improve bus reliability.
A trial bus stop move was in place from 28 November 2025 to 14 December 2025. The trial was successful in reducing congestion and improving user experience and so has been left in place until the bus stop move is made permanent.
VMS signage
Variable message signage is used to inform drivers of car parking spaces, congestion and events. It can encourage drivers to use Park & Ride services during busy periods, reducing congestion in the city and improving safety.
Several of the VMS signs in and around Bath need to be renewed and there are opportunities to install new signs to further improve clear, timely and reliable messaging. The project proposes to replace failing signs and install new ones.
Key benefits
The key benefits of the proposals are:
- improved bus movement efficiency and accessibility in Bath city centre by relocating bus stops and parking bays, supporting better integration of public transport services
- reduced congestion and bus delays through the installation of modern VMS signage, providing real-time, high-visibility information to all transport users
- support shift from private cars to public transport, contributing to reduced car dependency, improved air quality, and a more sustainable, resilient transport network
- complement and link with other infrastructure improvements to create a cohesive, user-friendly transport system in Bath
Project timeline
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Winter 2025/26 | Complete detailed design and costing |
| Spring 2026 | Full Business Case submitted to West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and determined. Traffic Regulation Order consultation. |
| Early summer 2026 | Bus stop to move on Westgate Buildings |
| Autumn 2026 | VMS installation |
