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An independent report by the West of England Combined Authority into mass transit options for Bristol reveals the astronomical cost of building underground sections compared to above-ground mass transit.
This report was produced in response to a Green Party motion to Bristol City Council in March 2022 calling for a feasibility study into the options for mass transit in the city [1].
In response to the report Carla Denyer, MP candidate for Bristol Central and co-leader of the Green Party, said:
“The Green Party welcomes this report into mass transit for the city. This evaluation of the different options for mass transit shows that an above-ground, low-carbon mass transit system is what is right for this city and its people.
Emma Edwards, Green Party Shadow Cabinet member for Transport and Active Travel and Leader of the Green Group of Councillors on Bristol City Council, said:
“We share the belief that a mass transit system should be transformational and create a modal shift, as other cities around the country have already shown.
“This report highlights that the fastest, most affordable way this can be achieved for the people of Bristol, in line with our commitment to reach net zero by 2030, is investing in above-ground transit.
“The only reason to spend excessive time and money on digging an underground is to maximise the space available to motorised vehicles. That is not ambitious or transformative.
“That being said, this report does not go far enough in evaluating the environmental impact and exact time scales of the different options. We want to see the next phase of feasibility studies dropping the notion of an underground altogether, and instead focusing on which of the above ground options is truly the best in achieving mass transit and net zero in the quickest time possible.”
Notes:
[1] Greens call for all options to be considered on mass transit – Bristol Green Party
David has lived in Lockleaze for 20 years and is a local councillor. He brings over 40 years of IT experience to his role and is committed to reducing road fatalities and injuries to zero by 2030. David's dedication and proactive approach make him a valuable asset to Lockleaze and Bristol.
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