West Country political chiefs have welcomed Government plans to invest more than £800m in transport projects across the region.
The funding, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday (June 4), will be used to make improvements to rail infrastructure and develop better public transport.
The move by Labour is part of a multi-billion pound plan to fund local transport in mayoral authorities across England.
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Of the cash allocated, around £200m will be earmarked for the development of a mass transit network covering Bath, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset.
Another £150m will be used to improve rail infrastructure across the South West and support ambitions for four trains per hour across the rail network, including between economic growth zones such as Brabazon - part of the Bristol Arena development - and Bristol Temple Quarter.
Helen Godwin, the new mayor of the West of England, said: “Our region has a strong economy overall, but we know that congestion has held the West of England back from achieving its full potential.
"We’ve been stuck in the slow lane on transport for too long. Our potential additional contribution to the national economy is enormous. It’s time to invest in the West and unlock that growth."
She added: “Over the years, as a region, we’ve talked too much about mass transit and delivered too little. It’s finally time to deliver a mass transit system that people can rely on. Working with the new government, and with genuine collaboration between local councils, it’s time for real change.”
'It is a huge opportunity'
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Sarah Warren, deputy council leader and cabinet member for sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, said: “This investment marks a turning point for sustainable transport in our region. It is a huge opportunity to deliver a cleaner, greener and more connected future that our communities deserve."
Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said plans were already in place to make the bus networks more available and to expand the reach and access of rail.
"This new funding will allow us to get on with creating the transport system Bristol is crying out for," he said.
Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said investment in the region’s transport infrastructure was "vital" to help people keep moving around the area, while councillor Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, said it would support the transition to "a greener, more connected future".
"I’m committed to working closely with the mayor and our partners to improve transport, unlock growth, and ensure our local economy continues to thrive," he added.
The new government set out the record settlement to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through Transport for City Regions as part of the Plan for Change, ahead of next week’s Spending Review.
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