News / buses
New bus service launched linking Cribbs Causeway and Bristol
A new bus service linking Cribbs Causeway and Bristol started running on Sunday.
The m4, operated by First Bus, will run every 20 minutes between 6am and 11pm on weekdays with a later start on weekends.
For now, it aims to serve communities in Patchway and Stoke Gifford.
is needed now More than ever
But, eventually, the m4 will stop at the Bristol Arena and Brabazon development and provide public transport for gig goers when it opens in 2024. A planned train station by the new YTL Arena in Filton will not open until 2026 after delays were blamed on several design changes.
The news comes as bus passengers in the West of England will see further cuts to public transport with routes being axed from April. Signed off by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) on Wednesday, 36 of the region’s 69 publicly-subsidised services will no longer be funded and will be withdrawn.
The station was initially due to open in 2023, before the YTL Arena opens in 2024, as a key part of the transport plan to get people to concerts – image: Network Rail/ YTL
Works along the new route, including the installation of a new railway bridge, new bus lanes on Gipsy Patch Lane, upgrades to bus stops, installation of bus shelters and iPoints, have been completed. Work has been made possible by £57 million of funding from the WECA.
Metro mayor Dan Norris said that First West of England assured him they have enough drivers to run the new route without impacting other local services.
Norris said: “While local councils are cutting the buses they fund, in contrast it is positive to see First’s new m4 service start running which will make a difference to people in Stoke Gifford, Patchway and beyond now important work like the widening of Gipsy Patch Lane to install bus lanes – fully funded by the West of England Mayoral region I lead – has been completed.
“I have received assurances there are enough drivers to run this new service but I will keep monitoring this closely. Please do give the buses a try.”
As well as the new m4, First Bus has made changes to five other routes. Services 19, 70, 73, m1, m2, m3/m3x and Y6 saw a revised timetable from Sunday.
Main photo: WECA/ First Bus
Read next:
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- First bus operations manager urges people to treat each other with kindness
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