NORTH Somerset Council has outlined proposals for 10 government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) projects.

The aim of the BSIP is to encourage residents to use buses instead of their private cars, which could make the region more environmentally friendly.

The programme is in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority.

It is hoped that the projects will reduce bus delays and increase reliability of services along the A38, A370, A369 and through Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon towns.  

The areas include:

  • A38;
  • Churchill Junction; 
  • Lime Kiln Roundabout; 
  • A370 and Weston-super-Mare; 
  • Backwell; 
  • A370/B3440 slip road; 
  • Bristol Road / Walford Avenue / Queensway Worle; 
  • Worle High Street; 
  • A369;
  • Rownham Hill; 
  • Clevedon;
  • B3133 Southern Way/Central Way roundabout; 
  • Ettlingen Way roundabout;
  • Tickenham Road/Northern Way roundabout.

Cllr Hannah Young, executive member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council said: “Through the Bus Service Improvement Plan schemes we want to make buses quicker, more reliable, and more frequent, which is what people tell us they need to make buses an attractive option.

"In turn, that means that in two years’ time, when the BSIP money for subsidising bus services temporarily has been spent, we don’t see bus operators cancel vital services that the community rely on.   

“Minutes saves buses. If we’re able to save journey minutes from each individual scheme, the knock-on effect will be efficiencies that significantly reduce the long-term bus service operating costs along whole corridors.

"This means, more buses and fewer cancellations of routes or service frequencies in two years’ time.   

“We will now start engaging with local councillors, residents and businesses to work together to create plans for the schemes that result in looking to create improved and sustainable services across North Somerset.”   

Roads minister, Richard Holden, added: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system.

"That is why we have provided North Somerset Council and West of England Combined Authority with over £105 million to boost their bus services.

“Supporting the council with introducing ten improvements to boost local bus services is fantastic for local residents, who will now be able to get to work, attend medical appointments and visit loved ones more easily.”