Backing Better Buses for Bristol South

The M1 Metrobus, one of several routes that have been extended or added in Bristol South in 2025, photo credit: West of England Combined Authority

Regular readers will know that my parents met working on the buses, and I am a huge supporter of bus travel. Even people who don’t regularly take the bus will have noticed the strain on our roads during the recent bus drivers’ strike in Bristol – buses matter for all of us.

A reliable bus network can help to take more cars off the road, open up economic opportunities and represents a lifeline for so many people, keeping us connected with the places and people we love.

Since the Labour Government was elected last July, we have been seeing changes in our local bus network and a rethink of how we do buses in this country.

It was great to see a £750 million investment in transport across the West of England in this June’s spending review, with £200 million earmarked for improving and extending bus services. We’ve already seen the delivery of a fleet of electric buses in Bristol and I know many will have been glad to be riding in air-conditioned comfort during this summer’s heat waves.

In south Bristol, I have been pleased to see the expansion of existing bus routes like the 43 and M1 Metrobus as well as the new 36 service. I look forward to seeing further such improvements and better choice in bus services for people in Bristol South as that Government investment filters through.

Though it may not sound it, the Bus Services Act is one of the most exciting pieces of legislation that has come forward under this Labour Government. The Act will change the rules to allow more local leaders to take back control of buses, emulating the success of places like Manchester which has seen a 5% increase in ridership and a more reliable service since its bus services passed into public control.

We’ve already seen the difference that local leadership can make, for example our Labour Mayor Helen Godwin delivering free bus travel for under 16s during this year’s summer holidays.

The bill will also ensure that bus drivers are given more support and training to respond to anti-social behaviour and to threats of violence against women and girls, a hugely important step.

I’m optimistic about what we can do to deliver a bus service that meets the needs of people in Bristol South and across our city.

N.B. This article originally appeared in the South Bristol Voice, November 2025 Edition. You can access the original at https://issuu.com/southbristolvoice/docs/south_bristol_voice_november_2025. References to the Bus Services Act have been updated here to reflect granting of Royal Assent to the bill.