NOBODY wants to sit stuck in traffic or hang around waiting for a bus that never turns up.
We all know that the West is best – but too often, our transport hasn’t kept up.
As the country’s fastest-growing region, we’ve been stuck in the slow lane for too long.
It’s time to tackle congestion, potholes, and unreliable journeys, and build a transport network people can trust.
This isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about quality of life. It’s about giving people their time back: to be home sooner, get out into nature more, or visit the many attractions that make our part of the world so special.
Transport is a big part of our Growth Strategy because it affects everyday life.
If we want more people across the West to be able to find work, access training, and take up new opportunities, we need a network that helps them get where they need to go.
Better transport also helps businesses grow and create more jobs locally.
That’s why we’ve set out a clear vision for a better-connected West of England, focused on five priorities:
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Better buses: reliable, affordable services with one ticket and one timetable.
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More trains: new stations, more frequent services, and low-emission trains.
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Mass transit: a high-capacity system linking key places across our region.
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Active travel: safer walking and cycling routes, with e-bikes and e-scooters for short trips.
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Improved streets: smoother roads and pavements, more electric vehicle chargers, and better Park & Ride and travel hubs.
Wherever you’re travelling, we need to invest so you can rely on how you get there. And we need a system that makes it easier to switch between different types of transport, with simple tap-on, tap-off travel so you never pay more than you should.
We’ve already secured record transport investment from government. With over 250 new green buses due by the end of 2026 and more stations being built, we can look ahead with genuine optimism.
One of the biggest opportunities ahead is mass transit. Right now, the West of England is the biggest city-region in the country without it. High-frequency services along dedicated routes would be a real game-changer, whether that’s a tram, light rail, guided bus, or something else. It won’t happen overnight, but council leaders and I are determined to do the work needed to start building within four or five years.
Alongside this, there is another important moment for our region: the consultation on North Somerset joining the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is now open.
This is about bringing more communities into the decisions and funding that can improve everyday life.
If North Somerset joins, it could unlock an additional £15 million in the short term, with the potential for more investment in future, helping us deliver better transport, housing, and opportunities across a wider area.
I’d really encourage residents, community groups and businesses to take part. This is your chance to have a say on the future of our region.
Find out more on our website, westofengland-ca.gov.uk, or through paper forms at local libraries, community centres, and GP surgeries.