It’s the region’s last big chance to secure national finance for major transport schemes. The government will cease to invest big pots of money in local public transport initiatives beyond this funding round.

Bristol is currently the most competitive city outside London. All that is missing is a first-class public transport system of the type business visitors and regular business commuters expect to see.

Business leaders and Bristol City Council are championing Bus Rapid Transit, with routes designed to further boost the city centre economy and unlock new business and employment opportunities in poorly connected areas of the city.

A report was presented to the council’s cabinet on July 21 2011 details of the final bid for a metro-style network to serve Bristol – watch the webcast

Bristol’s proposed network – running for much of the route on fast, dedicated lanes – would provide a fast, high-quality alternative to commuting by car, cutting journey times by as much as 40 per cent.

The positive impact for South Bristol is expected to be particularly strong. It is currently held back economically by lack of proper transport connections.

Cllr Tim Kent

Councillor Tim Kent, Executive Member for Transport, said: “Bristol’s economic strength has ensured our transport schemes all remain at the centre of the government’s radar. We are confident in our argument that we are the right city to invest in for government – particularly regarding transport.

“Bristol is a magnet for the most forward-thinking, creative and sustainable businesses. A great transport system will add tremendous value for existing business, and open up fresh opportunities for new or relocating business. That’s not just good news for Bristol – it’s great news for the struggling UK economy.

“A lot has been said about rail and we remain committed to restoring rail as a local transport standard. But these bus rapid transit schemes are vital and must come first. They feed into the centre from the key areas that rail can’t reach. We cannot do the right thing – particularly for business, and significantly, for South Bristol – without them.”

Using this site

• We’ve built this site so you can find out about our bid, ask questions and discuss the 3 packages which are competing for funding from the government
• You can make a comment / ask a question in any open part of the website
• Update: The site has been open for questions for 4 weeks and as you can see we have answered many of them.  The site is now closed to new comments, but we’ll leave it live for a few months.