Bristol introduces three new FirstBus routes this April, funded by CAZ fees. These services enhance connectivity across south, east, and north Bristol.
The 36 bus will link Highridge and St Annes. It goes through Withywood and Hartcliffe. It also serves Imperial Park, Knowle, and Brislington. People wanted a bus from Withywood to Knowle; they cited poor local bus access.
The old route 36 is now the 5. It used to go to St Anne’s from the city center. Now, it goes to Clifton Village instead. The new route travels south, not north.
New bus 16 will serve east Bristol. It will run from Fishponds to the city center and also includes Kingswood and St George. Barton Hill and Temple Meads are also stops. It passes the East Bristol area. Roadblocks stalled that project in January.
Buses 16 and 36 run every half hour. They operate between 6 AM and 7 PM daily.
The 37 bus will connect south to north Bristol. It will link Knowle and Hartcliffe. This route extends to Avonmouth and Severnside. It goes through Bishopsworth along the way.
The 37 will run three daily round trips. This works for Avonmouth and Severnside worker shifts. All three bus services start on April 6th.
Clean Air Zone fees are funding these buses. About 4.7 million pounds is secured until 2028.
One route links Bishopsworth to St. Annes. Another route serves the East Bristol area.
A transport chair stated they are funding key services. These connect people to work and more. He added cleaner air helps fund public transport.
A council group studied bus network gaps. They found useful routes for Bristol residents. This is helping the East Bristol project, and it offers a resource, easing pressure there.
Each Bristolian can benefit from bus access. One official hopes this begins more efforts. Another mentioned limited funds hamper bus expansion. He says this is hopefully just the start.
A bus official is glad to run these services. He looks forward to integrating these routes. It gives riders more chances for public rides.
It is unclear if more routes will start. Some routes might be stopped too. Changes happen twice a year, in April and September.
Bus fares rose at the start of the year. The national single journey price went to 3 pounds. First said most single fares are now £2.40. Longer trips exceeding six miles cost £3.
Bristol adult day tickets now cost £6.50. Week tickets are £26.50, and month tickets are £92. Child tickets remain at £1.
Discounted two-journey tickets ended. A return ticket now costs more. It’s £4.80 instead of the £3.80 it previously cost.
