DfT grants Funding Full Approval for West of England MetroBus Rapid Transit Scheme

The Department for Transport (DfT) has today confirmed that Ministers have agreed to grant the Ashton Vale to Temple Meads (AVTM) MetroBus scheme Funding Full Approval. Steer Davies Gleave managed the full approval submission to the DfT on behalf of the West Of England.

This approval means that work to construct the AVTM route can now proceed to the construction phase. The construction programme is expected to take around 18 months with an operational start date in 2016.

The MetroBus rapid transit network comprises three schemes: AVTM,  North Fringe to Hengrove Package (NFHP); and the South Bristol Link. It is part of the West of England's comprehensive integrated transport strategy to reduce car dependency and improve public transport in the region.
Steer Davies Gleave has been involved in the development of MetroBus since its inception in 2006 through the provision of project management services and technical advice across a wide range of areas. Our involvement has included liaison with the DfT, leading on consultation and community engagement activities, and managing processes to successfully secure approvals, including a Transport and Works Act Order, planning and other associated consents. Steer Davies Gleave previously undertook route option development and detailed technology reviews to establish a preferred vehicle technology for the rapid transit network. We continue to assist in driving forward delivery of the schemes towards the construction phases.

The AVTM Funding Full Approval comes at the end of a successful fortnight for MetroBus, with planning approvals for NFHP from Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council also being secured.

Steer Davies Gleave’s Head of Planning Sharon Daly said: “We are delighted that AVTM has secured Funding Full Approval and that planning permissions are now in place for all of the MetroBus schemes. These are significant milestones towards the provision of high quality, rapid public transport in the West of England. With our client, we look forward to the operation of the MetroBus network and the opportunities this will bring for the West of England”.