The Bristol and Bath region has received £4.1m from the 海角视频 Government to invest into transport projects.
The funding, which was announced in the chancellor’s Budget on March 3, has been issued to the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) for 2021 to 2022.
This cash will be used to help to fund work to reduce car usage and improve air quality by getting more people to walk, cycle and use public transport, Weca said.
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Regional mayor Tim Bowles welcomed the funding. He said: “This significant investment to fund our transport ambitions is only possible because we have a combined authority.
“As the West of England’s population increases, so too does the strain on our transport network. We want our region to be less reliant on cars with better air quality and more people walking, cycling and using public transport.”
In Ocotober last year, Weca announced the launch of a 12-month e-scooter scheme in Bristol and Bath, offering residents and visitors an alternative way to travel around.
The idea is to take pressure off public transport, according to Mr Bowles, and help people to travel in a “socially distanced manner".
Mr Bowles said there had been “a lot of excellent schemes” announced in the spring statement by chancellor Rishi Sunak that would help support jobs and secure the region’s economy.
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But he said he was not alone in being “bitterly disappointed” that Weca’s bid for the Great Western Freeport was not selected.
He added: “I still believe the strength of our region and economy could have made us an exemplar of how modern freeports could be a success.
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“We had widespread support across the region for the bid which the Government have told us met their criteria, so I look forward to a prompt and detailed explanation from ministers about why they did not take our bid forward.
“Nevertheless, thanks to our regional recovery plan, we are bringing forward our own schemes and plans to secure our recovery, help businesses create decent, well-paid jobs and renew our economy by supporting our region’s strengths.”
Mr Bowles will step down as leader of Weca when his term ends this year, and retire after nearly 20 years of political service.
The CBI has said the next mayor of West England must champion the region’s “unique strengths” in green industry and tech in order to lead its recovery from the pandemic.