Work on the Bath Transportation Package can now begin after final approval from Local Transport Minister Norman Baker. It was one of the schemes given funding last year as part of the Spending Review. Completion is due by mid 2014.
The package includes expansion and new buses for three P&R sites, more frequent services into the centre and nine showcase bus routes with junction and priority improvements as well as more RTI. An active traffic management system will also be introduced.
Baker said: “This scheme will make it easier to reach this historic city by public transport. The £11m we are putting into this scheme shows the Coalition Government is serious about investing in the infrastructure the UK needs to drive economic growth.”
Local operators have welcomed the scheme. MD Martin Curtis of Bath Bus Company told CBW: “It’s good news in general, though it will have a greater impact on some firms than other. There will definitely be benefits – specifically on corridors with RTI.”
Alan Peters of abus said: “I am confident it will be well used.”
A First spokesman said: “We welcome this investment in Bath. It goes hand in hand with what we’re doing in the area – in terms of vehicles and encouraging usage.”
As this issue went to press it remained to be seen how coaches would be affected by the measures.
