[Closed] Bristol BRT2 route - Ashton Avenue Bridge

Thanks for the PSA, Midnighthour.

Again, if anybody is free to join 'em - [b]for about half an hour at 5.15pm, Wed 27th, College Green[/b] - there will be a protest by Bristol residents against Metrobust, in advance of the BCC Planning Committee meeeting.

Meanwhile - and in a manner which exemplifies the fugging arrogance of the [url= http://www.westofenglandlep.co.uk/ ]WEP[/url] - Peter Mann (BCC transport big cheese), appears to [i][b]pre-empt[/b] the outcome of the planning process[/i] by stating that [url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-s-transport-working-Transport-chief-Peter/story-22799750-detail/story.html ]Bristol residents will just have to accept[/url] this wretched scheme... the very scheme that trashes valuable green and vehicle-free space, whilst doing sweet FA for the communities thru which it passes, and to the tune of an [url= http://stopbrt2.org.uk/metrobus-brt-costs-continue-soar ]escalating price tag[/url], with Brizzle liable for most of the overspend. Suffice to say, he is given no mercy in the comments. 😈

On the opposing team, the [url= http://www.bluefingeralliance.org.uk/ ]BlueFingerAlliance[/url] make an impassioned case for rejecting Metrobus. Although this concerns the BRT3 route (i.e. [url= https://sites.google.com/site/armalliancetorethinkmetrobus/home ]NFHG, which stomps on FeedBristol, Stapleton Allotments, Stoke Park, etc[/url] ) and not Ashton Avenue Bridge (i.e. AVTM BRT2) [i]per se[/i], it neatly summarises why this gawdawful scheme is such a millstone for Bristol, and the growing public anger:

[url= http://www.bluefingeralliance.org.uk/messages-planning-committee-saying-metrobus-opportunity-failure/ ][b]Our message to the planning committee… Saying no to MetroBus is an opportunity, not a failure.[/b][/url]

Oh, and another bump for that [url= http://www.change.org/p/mayor-of-bristol-george-ferguson-act-to-protect-bristol-s-most-valuable-and-fertile-food-growing-land-from-road-building-help-to-create-a-world-class-urban-agriculture-hub-on-bristol-s-blue-finger?utm_campaign=petition_created&utm_medium=email&utm_source=guides ]petition.[/url]

Cheers for reading, me babbers. 🙂

[url= https://sites.google.com/site/armalliancetorethinkmetrobus/news-page ]Press-release from the Alliance to Rethink Metrobus[/url].

Another bump for the protest tomorrow, at [b]5.15pm, Wed 27th, College Green[/b].

And also that [url= http://www.change.org/p/mayor-of-bristol-george-ferguson-act-to-protect-bristol-s-most-valuable-and-fertile-food-growing-land-from-road-building-help-to-create-a-world-class-urban-agriculture-hub-on-bristol-s-blue-finger?recruiter=32274397&utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition ]petition[/url]. 🙂

Even though only very low numbers are predicted to use the £200m Metrobus scheme, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for it from Bristol Council:

"“It should be noted at this juncture that transport models are commonly arranged around the need to ensure that a robust base year model is constructed and accurately reflects not only existing conditions on the highway network, but also ensure that the correct existing situation is imported into the model in relation to land use zoning and current travel demand.

“Consequently where a defined zone or area has either low, or very low existing demand, an uplift in this demand is accordingly factored into this low base, which in this case has generated low patronage results that are contained in the supporting analysis. This is directly attributed to the base line model.”

[url= http://www.bristol247.com/2014/08/27/bristol-metrobus-can-understand-explanation-71350/ ]http://www.bristol247.com/2014/08/27/bristol-metrobus-can-understand-explanation-71350/[/url]

@Jolsa - a stunning example of technocrat speak, ain't it?

RethinkMetrobus were thinking of submitting it to [i]Private Eye[/i] for inclusion in 'Pseuds Corner'. 😈

There was a good turn-out for the photo-op. And whatever the outcome (and there's no doubt that this thing is being steam-rollered thru planning), I can report that the opposition speakers (a combination of of angry Lockleaze residents, Bedminster locals, impassioned allotment-holders, FeedBristol supporters, the Civic Society, StopBRT2 campaigners, and sundry others) absolutely [i]demolished[/i] the Metrobust camp - a pathetically-small huddle of suits who dispensed platitudes about "transport connectivity".

I couldn't stay for the planning committee meeting, but I ain't holding out much hope. What a fugging disaster it all is.

http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/143882

Watch it live!

Watch it live!

I'm on an NHS library computer (in my own time, I hasten to add) - all social/streaming media is blocked... and rightfully so. 🙂

*Pretends to do some more studying.

It'd only make you really, really, really mad.

That's a really big chair or is he really small 🙂

had to turn it off. That Councillor Abraham is bloody irritating.

It'd only make you really, really, really mad.

I reached that stage some time ago... roughly around the first page of this thread. 🙁

Oh well, we tried.... with any luck, the notoriously unstable bank of the New Cut will collapse and suck the whole thing into a parallel dimension.

I managed about 30 seconds and the Abrahams guy seems to have a personal agenda about it and is not going to listen to any reason why it shouldnt go ahead.

not going to listen to any reason why it shouldnt go ahead

None of them - BCC, Metrobust, the WEP - have listened to the public, at any point (discounting the Mayoral Review, itself something of a fudge).

The anger of Lockleaze and Bedminster residents at not having been consulted (despite, in some cases, belonging to neighbourhood/planning groups who are statutory consultees!) was intense, to say the least.

Only saw the last couple of minutes. Didn't hear any good arguments to some lame justifications. Did anyone note that what's needed is an upgrade to the existing road infrastructure rather than half-baked schemes run by people pretending to believe their own propaganda?

These are the same people who built a super-hospital between two of the most congested roads in the SW. Maybe I should move to somewhere that's been ruined already, save myself the disappointment.

Did anyone note that what's needed is an upgrade to the existing road infrastructure

Yes - at least in the respect that everything Metrobust *claims to achieve could be achieved at much less cost by [meaningful] improvements to the existing bus network. Mike from StopBRT2 was excellent - and absolutely nailed 'em on the matter of poor peak-time uptake. The FeedBristol lot were also very impressive - and faced with the evident anger of local residents, the suits had nothing to say. Or even anywhere to look, except at the floor.

The sh1te being spouted about how Metrobust will enable economic growth in deprived areas of Brizzle was positively vomit-inducing.

I hate F&*&*ing Buses - The Showcase Bus route ruined my street -used to be quiet now crazy busy at rush hour and crazy sums of money spent.

Why is it that the only transport solution is gasp more buses - I don't actually think I know anyone over 16 and under 65 that actually uses one and tbh I thought they were designed to operate on roads in conjunction other traffic not requiring a multi million pound infrastructure.

Not the bus network, the actual roads. I know many people in Bristol who would sooner learn to fly than stand on a bus stop. The road layout is gash, as widening isn't an option the solution is a one-way system drawn on a magna-doodle by anyone with little or no financial interest in transport related projects.

Edit: but good to hear there was some proper argumentation thrown down. Not, as has been discussed, that it'll be listened to.

Why is it that there only transport solution is gasp more buses

If we put the same amount of effort into local rail, Bristol might actually be getting somewhere. As the Severn Beach line demonstrates, build (or restore) it, and they will come.

But don't, for fug's sake, build overpriced [mis-]guided trolley-bus lanes on old railway lines... I'd bet on Brunel's top-hat that Bristol is heading for a [url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridgeshire_Guided_Busway ]Cambs-style[/url] BRT fiasco & accompanying cost-escalation.

I know many people in Bristol who would sooner learn to fly than stand on a bus stop.

Don't forget the zip-wire.

That's no zip-wire, that's a garrote around the neck of the city.

Metaphorically [s]speaking[/s] posting.

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:

http://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=N9MFOYDN0MC00

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