Skip to main content

UK city to create rapid transit bus network

Procurement has begun on a US$305 million programme for a bus rapid transit (BRT) network in the Greater Bristol area of England, with construction anticipated to be underway by 2014. The network, which will connect commuter areas of North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, will offer a much improved public transport service to the Greater Bristol area. The three schemes that make up the BRT network are at different stages of design prior to build, providing a number of opportunities for contractors. West
July 9, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Procurement has begun on a US$305 million programme for a bus rapid transit (BRT) network in the Greater Bristol area of England, with construction anticipated to be underway by 2014.

The network, which will connect commuter areas of North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, will offer a much improved public transport service to the Greater Bristol area. The three schemes that make up the BRT network are at different stages of design prior to build, providing a number of opportunities for contractors. West of England has developed a joint procurement strategy with the help of UK engineering consultants WSP to ensure procurement and operational activities are joined up across all the local authorities involved.

The procurement routes include seven design and build contracts covering the guided busway and key structures, as well as an overall design and build for the South Bristol Link. All tenders and notices for North Fringe to Hengrove Package and the Ashton Vale to Temple Meads route will be made available on the Bristol City Council website. The Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) notification for the seven design and build contracts is underway.

Related Content

  • Authorities switch on to all electric buses as costs tumble
    January 9, 2018
    Alan Dron looks at changes in bus propulsion as cities look to improve air quality and seek to reduce maintenance costs. Despite the ending of various incentives to adopt alternative fuels, the introduction of electric buses by US transit authorities is picking up speed as performance improves, costs drop and air quality considerations become increasingly significant. More US bus manufacturers are introducing zero-emission models and some recent contracts will see many more passengers getting their first
  • Brooklyn eyes Bogota’s BRT system
    June 17, 2016
    David Crawford considers the increased interest in bus rapid transit and looks that the latest trends. Bus rapid transit (BRT) is gaining an increasingly high profile in the US public transport agenda, for two main reasons. One is the potential for ‘trains on wheels’ to save substantially on installation costs as compared with other modes such as underground metros or light-rail transit. Another, highlighted in the case of New York City, is the value of having a rapid surface-based alternative available whe
  • Good news for the ITS industry from new $105 billion US transportation reauthorisation bill
    July 11, 2012
    ITS America has applauded approval by the US House of Representatives and the US Senate of the conference report to HR 4348, (here’s the link Joseph: http://www.rules.house.gov/Media/file/PDF_112_2/LegislativeText/CRPT-112hrpt-HR4348ih.pdf ) a legislative package which includes the surface transportation reauthoriSation bill. The bill passed the House by a wide margin of 373 – 52, was subsequently approved by the Senate by a 74-19 vote, and the legislation has been signed by the President. The legislation w
  • Oxford Circus will become 'pedestrian friendly' 
    June 22, 2021
    Congestion at UK capital hotspot is unsustainable, says Westminster City Council