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that's a garrote
I'm sure there are revolutionary elements in Brizzle who could put said zip-wire to, erm, other uses.
Skipping in a big long line, for example. Or a friendly tug-of-war with seconded transport consultants.
As I've said before Bristol needs a new light rail system. Something like an elevated monorail. Something that can be used for commuters during the week and for leisure in the evenings and weekends. Get the buses out of Bristol. They are smelly, dangerous and cause more congestion. We used to use the severn beach railway to get from redland to templemeads to get the train to Bath to go shopping. Always felt neglected but I guess you can only have 1 train as only 1 track.
[url= http://www.bristol247.com/2014/08/28/bristol-metrobus-86127/ ]So there it is...[/url]
Well done the councillors who opposed it.
Quick update.
In one measure of how dross [url= http://www.bristol247.com/2014/09/09/green-light-for-controversial-metrobus-scheme-83941/ ]this scheme[/url] is, the BCC [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Protesters-angry-controversial-plans-MetroBus/story-22840071-detail/story.html ]NFHG planning decision[/url] was greeted with anger by a strongly-worded [i]Post[/i] [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Editor-s-comment-need-learn-Metrobus-folly/story-22839963-detail/story.html ]editorial[/url] - a shame said rag couldn't have done more to oppose the damn thing in the first place... 🙄
Meanwhile, Metrobust's supporters continue to spout spurious PR dross about alleged [url= http://www.bristol247.com/2014/09/02/bristol-metrobus-why-south-bristol-cannot-wait-for-perfect-solution-85812/ ]economic benefits[/url]... much-needed rail improvements [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/steam-ahead-Bristol-s-MetroWest-programme-ndash/story-22895801-detail/story.html ]continue to go-slow[/url] (despite costing much less than Metrobust), and the [i]Grauniad[/i] have an article on [url= http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/food-blog/2014/sep/09/bristol-urban-farms-city-agriculture-eu-green-capital-2015 ]Brizzle's urban argiculture[/url], but neglect to mention that the city is about to build a bludy great big bus-only junction over one of the most [url= http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/feedbristol ]successful projects[/url]. With specific reference to Ashton Avenue Bridge, work on the AVTM route will (apparently) be starting soon. Sadly.
Despite the granting of planning permission, [url= https://sites.google.com/site/armalliancetorethinkmetrobus/home ]RethinkMetrobus[/url] (and [i]especially[/i] the Stapleton allotment-holders & Lockleze locals) aren't going to give up without a fight. Watch this space. 😈
Cheers all.
The wretched [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/MetroBus-approval-Government-route-Ashton-Vale/story-22916401-detail/story.html ]AVTM route[/url] has been given DfT approval.
What sh1te it is.
...and now [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Mayor-gives-approval-MetroBus-route/story-23058829-detail/story.html ]Red Trousers has waved it through[/url].
Which means that work in the vicinity of Ashton Avenue Bridge should be starting soon - although given how much [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Flagship-Bristol-cycle-scheme-delayed-spring/story-23037014-detail/story.html ]trouble BCC are having further down the New Cut[/url], one wonders how long it will be before the cost (principally to Bristol) of this damn fool scheme starts to rise... 😕
Well, that's a surprise!
[url= http://bristol247.co.uk/channel/news-comment/daily/transport/secret-report-reveals-soaring-metrobus-costs ]Costs to build part of Bristol's controversial Metrobus network have soared by more than £9m since the summer, a confidential report seen by Bristol24/7 reveals.[/url]
wow. Just spent a busy afternoon reading through all this - can't believe i've lived in Bristle for 5 years and have never heard of BRT. Or Metrobus.
Sounds like a completely shocking waste of cash, and exactly the sort of thing we elected red trousers to avoid - wasn't it? (currently v skeptical about the new RPZ in my area of St Paul's... opinion of George is rather wavering these days)
😕
exactly the sort of thing we elected red trousers to avoid
BS3 agrees with you.
And the cost overrun is before they've started on any of the construction...
[url= http://thebristolian.net/2014/10/31/leaked-document-what-they-dont-want-you-to-know-about-brt/ ]Leaked document re AVTM costs (published on the Bristolian site).[/url]
For those of y'all keen to see improvements in Brizzle's cycle-infrastructure, it's likely that the AVTM overspend will see available funding being reallocated to BRT... to say nothing of the fact that BCC services elsewhere are being cut back (e.g. the current "consultation" on libraries), even as the liable costs for Metrobust ramp up!
What a farce it is. 🙄
just had a look at that document.
It's taking £400,000 from the cycling budget and putting it towards the Bathhurst Basin Bridge.
Way to go, George.
Way to go, George.
Yup, there's a real danger of BRT turning into a financial black hole... and sucking a bunch of other stuff down with it. 😕
To be fair, GF inherited a right mess - but both he & BCC could have been far more proactive in challenging the Metrobust consultants, esp given that DfT have given the impression (when StopBRT2 visted them) that they regard changes as a matter for the mayor. I believe Kerry McCarthy MP has raised this issue with regard to the shameful trashing of the Stapleton Allotments, FeedBristol, etc by the BRT3 bus-junction.
It's a gathering disaster, but it rolls on regardless.
[url= http://stopbrt2.org.uk/dump-avtm-metrobus-its-too-late-stop-brt2-tells-mayor ]Dump the AVTM Metrobus before its too late Stop BRT2 tells Mayor.[/url]
Amen to that.
[url= http://thebristolian.net/2014/11/05/laughable-takedown-notice-from-incompetent-council-lawyers/ ]The Bristolian threatened with legal action by BCC for leaking the AVTM report.[/url]
BCC wilfully ignored public concern in pushing this wretched scheme through planning... and so they shouldn't be surprised by the intense scrutiny.
Screw 'em - and more power to the Bristolian! 😈
[url= http://stopbrt2.org.uk/brt2-cost-escalation-gets-national-coverage ]BRT2 cost escalation makes into national transport rag[/url] - work hasn't even started yet, and costs are likely to increase further. Bristol is liable for most of the overspend.
The BCC planning portal is open for comments on the proposed Metrobus development at Stapleton Allotments:
And a petition has just been started for Metrobus to [url= https://www.change.org/p/metrobus-project-team-and-mayor-of-bristol-drop-the-metrobus-proposal-to-remove-footway-space-at-bedminster-parade-including-the-footway-running-along-the-outside-of-the-imperial-arcade-for-road-widening ]drop the proposed removal of footway space at Bedminster Parade[/url] - a particularly shoddy aspect of the scheme (among many!).
Very short notice: there will be a protest against Metrobus at 12:30 today, outside Brunel House.
https://soundcloud.com/uwebristol/mayors-question-time-december-2014
In which George appears to (a) imply that yes, Metrobus is a crock but there's nothing he can do about it, and (b) state quite explicitly that although costs are rising, there is no point at which he would consider cancelling it.
Quick update type bump.
Metrobust rolls on. It will come as no surprise that the scheme is [url= http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/daily/transport/millions-extra-for-controversial-metrobus ]already coming cap-in-hand to BCC for more money[/url] - there will be more of this, whatever the pressure on council budgets elsewhere... and work [i]still[/i] hasn't started. Meanwhile, there is [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Reader-s-letter-Bristol-Metrobus-needs/story-25753876-detail/story.html ]continuing bafflement[/url] at both the alleged benefits of the NFHG bus-only junction, and the diversion of the existing 903 P&R service down Cumberland Road (i.e. [i]away[/i] from the centre..). What a mess.
Given the escalating costs, [url= http://stopbrt2.org.uk/ ]StopBRT2[/url] are pushing for an [url= http://stopbrt2.org.uk/eight-reasons-why-there-needs-be-inquiry-handling-brt2 ]independent enquiry[/url] - see also the [i]Post[/i] article [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-campaigners-independent-inquiry-Ashton/story-25847151-detail/story.html ]here[/url].
Consultation on the NFHG (BRT3) component of this daft scheme is ongoing - you can comment here: http://www.travelwest.info/NFHPconsult/ (take note of the relevant plan/drawing number, and then scroll through to the section you wish to comment on).
Of particular concern is the loss of pedestrian space along Bedminster Parade (the new bus lane will take out the pavement, leaving only the covered walkway). There is a [url= https://www.change.org/p/metrobus-project-team-and-mayor-of-bristol-drop-the-metrobus-proposal-to-remove-footway-space-at-bedminster-parade-including-the-footway-running-along-the-outside-of-the-imperial-arcade-for-road-widening ]petition opposing the plans[/url], if you wish to sign it.
Ta fer readin.
[url= https://sites.google.com/site/armalliancetorethinkmetrobus/home ]RethinkMetrobus[/url] have produced a spoof calendar to mark Metrobust's progress through 2015 - Bristol's year of being "Green Capital".
Work in the [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Councils-award-26-million-contract-build-mile/story-25900574-detail/story.html ]vicinity of Ashton Avenue Bridge will begin soon[/url]. 🙁
😥
According to a local news feed on twitter (@TheBristolCable) [url= https://twitter.com/TheBristolCable/status/561921527990726656 ]bailiffs have arrived to evict the FeedBristol site[/url] - there are apparently a number of protestors... good on 'em!
Welcome to Bristol - European Green Capital 2015. 🙄
It's all kicking off... good. 😈
[url= http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/feb/02/bristol-bus-protesters-trees-european-green-capital-2015 ]Guardian coverage.[/url]
Good background article in the [url= http://thebristolcable.org/2015/02/metrobus-a-timetable-of-destruction-for-bristols-green-capital/ ]Bristol Cable[/url].
http://risingup.org.uk/ for ongoing info.
[url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-tree-planting-ceremony-gatecrashed/story-25981668-detail/story.html ]Public anger catches up with the Mayor[/url] - guest-starring [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/pictures/8203-Millionth-tree-planting-Bristol-Eastville/pictures-25981035-detail/pictures.html#20 ]a gnome[/url].
[url= http://risingup.org.uk/ ]Rising up[/url] are organising a [url= http://risingup.org.uk/events/rising-up-march-creative-support-for-land-action/ ]protest event tomorrow, 7th feb[/url] - AFAIK, meeting points are:
Meeting Point 1: Trinity Community Garden, Old Market (10-12)
12pm Depart Trinity Community Garden
Meeting Point 2: Centre of Broadmead – ring of seats near Boots, nr Merchants St (12:30 – 1:00)
Meeting Point 3: College Green (1:30 – 2:00)
Petition on the Metrobust threat to FeedBristol & the Stapleton Allotments here: http://tinyurl.com/pq3299s
Quick update: a [url= http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/daily/environment/court-tells-tree-top-protest- ]possession order has been granted for BCC to evict the protestors[/url] at the Stapleton Allotments/FeedBristol site. Ironically, Burges Salmon - one of the sponsors of the Bristol so-called "Green Capital" - acted for the council.
Bailiffs are expected to start proceedings in short order. Anybody who is so inclined is very welcome to go to the site. From the [url=
Up Facebook page[/url]:
Possession Order granted (at 5pm) so the Council can have "the quiet enjoyment" of their property! The site are preparing for eviction, that could take place this evening or tomorrow morning. Lights have been put up on the allotments next door and could be used tonight. IF YOU CAN GO DOWN TO THE SITE THIS EVE PLEASE DO OR GO EARLY IN THE MORNING FROM 6am- or BE ON STANDBY! Take food / drink / cameras and warm gear. It is vital that there are people there in numbers. Thanks.
A wretched state of affairs. 👿
Meanwhile down by Ashton Bridge yesterday they were cutting down trees and clearing scrub in preparation for Metrobus and no one seemed too bothered. Shame because it used to be a lovely place to see long tailed tits and goldfinches. As I understand it the trees at Stapleton Allotments are going to be replaced which is more than the National Trust are going to do for all the hundreds they've cut down the last few years in Leigh Woods and the hundreds more they are still planning on cutting down.
Shame because it used to be a lovely place
Agreed - another green and reasonably-pleasant corner of Bristol changed for the worst. Depressing.
I really hate Metrobust.
[url= http://www.demotix.com/news/6942620/bus-protesters-ready-resist-eviction-tunnels-and-tree-top-camps#media-6942520 ]Stapleton Allotment protestors still holding their ground[/url] - good on 'em.
Regular users of the Sylvia Crowe Park/Ashton Avenue Bridge/Butterfly Junction stretch of the Festival Way will have noticed some changes. Won't be so much birdsong this year, I guess. 🙁
[url= https://sites.google.com/site/armalliancetorethinkmetrobus/home ]RethinkMetrobus[/url] are organising a public meeting regarding the scheme. From their website:
Public meeting to discuss Metrobus is being organised by the Alliance for [b]30 March 7.15pm[/b] YHA ( 14 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA). There has never been an open public public meeting but Metrobus are pushing ahead with expensive and destructive works without talking to residents. Metrobus politicians and officers have been invited to attend a Q&A session. If you have a Q please submit it to alliancetorethinkmetrobus@gmail.com To cover the 3 Metrobus/BRT routes (NFHP, AVTM/BRT2 and South Bristol Link).
Bristol City Council have gone to court for the second time in order to evict the protestors currently holding out at the Stapleton Allotments/FeedBristol site - I would imagine that bailiff action is now imminent.
38degrees petition here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-the-bristol-metrobus-m32-bus-bridge
Eviction of Stapleton Allotments has begun.
A very sad day.
Meeting is tonight - 7.15 pm, the YHA.
Some [i]Post[/i] coverage: [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Metrobus-meeting-Bristol-campaigners-angered-snub/story-26250338-detail/story.html ]Metrobus meeting: Bristol campaigners angered by snub from officials[/url] - not that they would ever turn up, of course.
Metrobust works now increasingly visible across the city...
Meanwhile they give evasive answers in response to FOI requests:
http://stopbrt2.org.uk/vague-answers-show-brt-weakness
Final bill will be interesting - especially given pressure on BCC budgets elsewhere (libraries, social care, etc).
PSA for anybody interested:
The Ashton Avenue Bridge will - apparently - be closed to pedestrians and cyclists [b]for a year[/b], from this coming autumn onwards. There will be a signed diversion via Brunel Way. It's not a pleasant prospect for those who value the Festival Way as a safe, vehicle-free route into the city.
So, the wretched Metrobust rolls on... whilst the Henbury rail loop is kicked into the long grass. Transport planning in this city is utterly screwed. 🙄
The once-leafy Butterfly Junction is now a depressing sight. 😥
Ashton Avenue Bridge is scheduled to be closed from early october, apparently - ironic that the Metrobust works will cause such a hassle for cyclists and pedestrians... the very people who've made an effort to get out of their cars.
Do I have this completely wrong, or are they planning to divert people up and over the flyover while the bridge is shut?
Two flights of stairs plus four lanes of traffic, what could possibly go wrong?
what could possibly go wrong?
Well indeed.
Apparently, there's some talk of ramps - although I'm not sure about the details.
I would suggest something like this:
[img] 
[/img]
why is Bristol so anti-development in general? I've lived here for a decade and have never know a city that actually gets so little done in terms of developing infrastructure as Bristol.
metrobus on its own wont solve the transport problems of Bristol but it is a start. the city has been grindingly slow for years due to the mass of cars. making a start on new mass transit infrastructure is surely a good idea? once this part is complete other projects can feed into it to improve connectivity all over the city.
People always seem to be banging on about resurrecting old rail lines, but buses are infinitely more flexible modes when you seek to develop a city wide network of fast cheap travel. (Although granted Metrobus isn't cheap!)
You are correct Rob, we do need much better public transport in Bristol, the problem with MetroBus is that it is being built on some of the few green areas and pedestrian/cycle areas that do exist in Bristol.
So rather than encouraging people to use alternative transport to cars it takes safe space away from those of us who already aren't using our car.
I, personally, am all for public transport but not at the cost of safe cycle and pedestrianised areas. The space for MetroBus should be coming out of the existing road space. If they can't do that then they should be looking at light rail as that is already there.
Robw1 - Totally agree with your post. Bristol has far to many do gooders who want all the lovely aspects of say a modern public transport system but don't want it in their back yard or if it rips up that tiny bit of waste ground. Just look at all those protests about the metro route near the M32. It is not nice piece of land, it never has been, it is right besides the M32 for god sake. I totally agree with people standing up and stopping say the development of Ashton Court or other lovely areas but nothing ever gets built in Bristol.
People do have to realise that if they want a lovely public transport system and open east to cycle on streets in the centre then they have to rip a good chunk of things down to build this and they need a ring road that actually goes all the way around the city to get cars out of the city centre.
It also doesn't help that some idiot a few years ago decided that the Bristol city boundary would run through Filton so if anything needs to be done in the north of the city you have to get BCC and South Gloucestershire council to agree on things and for some reason they hate each other and always have.
I've no problem with improving public transport in Bristol, for pity's sake... but the AVTM (BRT2) is a ludicrous scheme - it offers no advantages over the arterial Hotwell Rd P&R, and comes at staggering financial cost (not to mention the impact on green space along the Festival Way). Everybody knows that the BRT planning "process" has been driven by the need to secure DfT funding, rather than good design - hence we've ended up with the frankly-bonkers re-route down Cumberland Rd (which will divert AV P&R commuters AWAY from the centre!), among its many other failings. It's an utter shambles.
The scheme's supporters have yet to demonstrate that Metrobust represents VFM (not least given the escalating liable costs to Brizzle), or that it will provide/sustain a modal shift in transit. In short, the whole thing is an embarrassment - hardly "do-gooding" to point that out.
If anybody has evidence to the contrary, please don't be shy.
I entirely agree about the council boundary/rivalry... it's dysfunctional.
We need an ITA.
Rob, just to be clear, this is what was originally proposed for Bristol:
[img] 
[/img]
It's fugly but it works. The Bristol one was going to be this but it was quickly found to be unworkable, so what we have instead is a sexy park and ride, with just a tiny increase to the capacity of the existing bus network.
While the overall message of the Stop BRT2 campaign has been strongly negative, as you'd expect, they [u]have[/u] made constructive suggestions for improvement, such as routing the bus down Hotwells Road. Hotwells is 4 lanes wide, with a complete dog's dinner of bus stops, bus lanes, and short stay parking that's mostly useful for popping to the Spar. Instead of sorting this out, and losing a tiny amount of road and parking capacity, they're taking space away from walking and cycling routes.
Do I have this completely wrong, or are they planning to divert people up and over the flyover while the bridge is shut?Two flights of stairs plus four lanes of traffic, what could possibly go wrong?
There are ramps already in Greville Smyth park and near the bank of the new cut, and a second temporary one is being built. It remains to be seen whether they can be negotiated with a trailer, else it looks like I'm going to be driving to nursery for the next year. The irony is not lost on me...
Does it look like there's going to be a separate footway? They can't be expecting people to play chicken with the traffic on the flyover, surely...