Bristol Airport may soon be connected to the region’s transport network via tram or light rail as part of a substantial £752 million investment into the West of England’s infrastructure. Metro Mayor Helen Godwin emphasized the importance of providing mass transit access to the airport, stating, “We have got an airport which is the only one in the country which isn’t connected in by mass transit of any form. So it would be remiss for us not to be looking at that.”
This significant funding comes as part of a £15.6 billion government transport package allocated across six English regions. The money will fund improvements in bus services, increased suburban rail frequencies, necessary road repairs including pothole fixes, and the development of an integrated mass transit system spanning Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and potentially North Somerset — where Bristol Airport is located.
The idea of a “Bristol Underground” has been discussed for years, yet the current plans are broader, aiming for an expansive mass transit network rather than just an underground line. Mayor Godwin noted the growing need for a conversation about including North Somerset in this network, highlighting the airport’s regional importance and the preference for alternatives to car travel: “The airport is a busy airport. It’s a really important regional airport and I would much much prefer that the only way to get there wasn’t by car.”
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While significant, the funding is only a starting point; the full mass transit network remains years away. Previous estimates suggested that a Bristol Underground alone could cost billions, while about £200 million of the current allocation is reserved for mass transit development. Godwin cautioned, “This doesn’t mean in five years time we are going to have a mass transit network. That’s not going to be the case. But what this enables us to do is to start to get on a fixed path of delivery which is really important.”
Reflecting on the region’s progress, she acknowledged delays: “We are behind. We are not where I would have liked to be given the combined authority is nine years old but this is the start of a different direction of travel for us.”
Regarding the type of transit technology, Godwin remains open: “I’m not a particular transport geek.” She appreciates the historic charm of trams in Bristol but is pragmatic about options, saying, “If the infrastructure points us towards trams in certain parts of the network then great. If the infrastructure — and of course the budget envelope — points us towards something else, whether that’s guided bus or light rail, that’s fine too.”
Additionally, £150 million of the funding will be dedicated to improving rail infrastructure, which includes plans to boost the frequency of trains between Bristol city centre and the future station at the Brabazon development in North Filton.