County council set to back next phase of Mass Rapid Transit system
The system would include more frequent bus services between Gloucester and Cheltenham
Gloucestershire County Council is set to approve the next stage of work to develop a business case and early delivery steps for a new Mass Rapid Transit system in Gloucestershire.
The scheme aims to deliver high-quality, zero-emission public transport with more frequent bus services linking Cheltenham, Gloucester and surrounding areas.
It will form the backbone of the county’s planned Express Bus network, helping to reduce congestion, support housing and economic growth, and contribute to the council’s climate goals.
The approach will utilise the well tried and tested concepts of bus rapid transit known as BRT, including bus priority measures and dedicated bus lanes.
As first steps, it is expected that a fleet of modern electric buses will be introduced on some existing routes, running at increased frequencies offering a cleaner, quicker and more dependable way to travel, encouraging people to get out of their cars.
It’s also set to bring economic benefits by improving links between Cheltenham, Gloucester and nearby towns, encouraging investment in local businesses and reducing delays to buses.
A report being presented to cabinet today (Monday November 3rd) recommends moving ahead with developing the next business case stage with some early delivery for the proposal.
It would be funded by £1 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions from Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council, and £250,000 from the county council.
This funding will be used to develop the next phase of the business case and early scheme design.
Cllr Roger Whyborn, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Strategic Highways, said: “This is an exciting opportunity, to plan both for transport strategically for expected future housing and employment development, and also for improvements in public transport in the short-term, which is clean, green, and frequent, which people will want to use in preference to private car transport.
“I’m pleased to see strong support from our district partners through the CIL funding, and we’re committed to working together to make this vision a reality.
“By investing now in early design and delivery opportunities, we’re laying the groundwork for a transport network that meets the needs of our growing county.”
The BRT business case development will run through to the end of the 2026/27 financial year.