A public transport hub at Temple Meads

Lead petitioner : Peter Goodwin

Status: New > Draft > Rejected > Accepted > Collecting signatures > Awaiting submission > Submitted > Pending owner response > Closed > Withdrawn

Status: Closed

Petition

The Petitioner....asks Bristol City Council to require provision for a major multimodal transport hub as part of the 'Plot 6' development site at Temple Meads, before the opportunity is lost and flats and offices are built alongside the proposed new ticket hall.

Background information

Everyone knows that Bristol needs a far better public transport system. Climate change, fuel shortages, and ever rising traffic congestion make it essential.

At present, public transport trips between suburban Bristol destinations can rarely be made in a single hop: they will probably involve forward planning, a significant walk, and an uncomfortable extra wait at at least one bus stop. Most residents cannot even reach the city's main railway station directly by public transport. With such a piecemeal transport system it's no wonder people prefer to stay in their cars.

A multi-modal interchange at Temple Meads - the only place where the rail, road, and river systems come together - can make travel by public transport far more efficient and attractive.

Plans for Temple Meads station already include much better waiting, real-time information, and ticketting areas for passengers in a converted 'Digby Wyatt' shed - currently a covered car park. Those amenities could also provide for bus, coach, and harbour ferry services, creating a seamless, user-friendly interchange for passengers. All it needs is provision for buses, serving all parts of the city, to serve the same site.

The land is available now. 'Plot 6' (the car park between the station buildings and the Temple Quay office complex) is currently being marketed for mixed use development. However, the proposed layout includes flats and shops alongside the 'Digby Wyatt' shed, just where the bus bays in a transport interchange could be provided.

This ideal site is in public ownership and available to be used. Bristol cannot afford to let a unique opportunity slip away.

Other high profile and expensive transport projects will not be enough to reduce the city's traffic and congestion; both are forecast to increase. Public transport must be made attractive enough to provide an alternative to travel by car, and a modern interchange is an essential part of achieving it.

Therefore, we call on the council

1) as planning authority, to insist on provision within Plot 6 for the bus/coach component of a major interchange, and

2) on behalf of the travelling public, to bring together the principle stakeholders (bus, train and ferry companies, landowners, and the public) to turn it into reality.

(more information and pictures have been placed on the Bristol Green Party website at http://www.bristolgreenparty.org.uk/hottopics/0810templemeads.htm

Signature Count

299