FOSBR campaigns for Bristol-area rail improvements, forming part of a wider integrated public transport network
We are campaigning for at least half-hourly services to all stations in the Bristol area, with future 15 or 20 minute frequency, together with new stations and infrastructure to ensure convenience and reliability.
MetroWest is the name given to a basic rail-based Metro by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) which consists of three local authorities: Bristol City Council (BCC), South Gloucestershire County Council (SGCC), Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES). The fourth West of England local authority, North Somerset Council (NS) are currently not part of WECA.
Reopening stations across the network:
- Deliver MetroWest Phase 1A half-hour service from Avonmouth to Bath, hourly to Severn Beach;
- Deliver Portishead line with an initial hourly service with planning for half-hourly or 45 minute frequency;
- Full Henbury Loop (not just terminus at Henbury);
- FOSBR welcomes existing WECA proposals for stations at Horfield, St Anne’s, Saltford, Ashton Gate & Charfield;
- FOSBR proposes stations at Coalpit Heath, Chittening (Severnside), Uphill/Locking, Corsham, Long Ashton.
Investing in infrastructure to unlock capacity:
- Remodel Bristol East and Westerleigh Junctions;
- Rebuild Pilning station to allow Severnside commuting;
- Create rail-bus interchanges by real-time bus information and signage at stations, including at Bristol Temple Meads, Filton Abbey Wood (for Southmead Hospital) and Nailsea & Backwell (for the Airport);
- Selective double-tracking of Severn Beach Line;
- Longer trains with more seats and room for cycles;
- Multi-modal smart ticketing, with guards on all trains;
- Electrification and reduced emission or light rail trains;
- The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to gain rail powers and operational oversight.