April 2018
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News
MetroBus update: March 2018 This month, the West of England Council’s MetroBus team were unable to provide any specific news relating to services through Bradley Stoke, but they have kindly provided this update on what is happening across the wider MetroBus project
T
he three-route 50km MetroBus network is due to be operational in the spring – starting with the M3 service running from Emersons Green via UWE to the city centre. The Bromley Heath Viaduct works need to be completed first – currently their end date is the end of April. The other routes will start afterwards. As MetroBus is ‘buy before you board for faster services’, the information and ticketing points have had to be developed. This will make MetroBus the only service outside London where you have to pay before you board – significantly reducing delays. The introduction of a Travelwest smartcard, use of mobile phone apps, existing concessionary cards and
top ups online from the travelwest.info website have all had to be incorporated into the system. This week, the first iPoint at Long Ashton Park & Ride was switched on, and the team are checking and testing that it all works as it should – the 1,000th and 10,000th ticket is as important as the first. The iPoints along the M3 route will be put in place soon. MetroBus has already made positive changes to the way people are moving around: • The new city centre arrangement is allowing traffic to flow more freely, with savings of six to seven minutes from the bottom of the M32 to the harbourside at some times of the day • Over 60 buses have had their timetables revised as they are
now running faster and more reliably • The new bus lanes in other areas are allowing all buses to keep to time and avoid hold-ups • The new bridge at Bathurst Basin is safer for pedestrians and has improved traffic flows • In south Bristol, traffic has been removed from unsuitable residential roads and there are easier and quicker links for businesses to the main roads. MetroBus is another piece in the jigsaw helping to tackle congestion, improve air quality and provide a rapid and reliable choice for people who need to travel longer distances by public transport. ● Frequently Asked Questions: travelwest.info/metrobus/allyou-need-to-know
The first MetroBus iPoint was powered up at Long Ashton Park & Ride during the third week of March
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