Major changes planned for city's road network

A city's transport network is set to undergo major changes in 2025.

Boosting public transport numbers and cutting car journeys are top priorities for the Green Party-led Bristol City Council.

This year, councillors will consider plans for an overground mass transit system that could arrive in the form of trams or an extension of the Metrobus network. They will also decide whether to extend the contract of the city's e-scooter provider, Dott.

Below, we take a look at all of Bristol's transport plans for the year ahead.

In October 2023, Voi lost the contract to be the city's official e-scooter provider to rival firm Tier, which subsequently merged with another company called Dott.

Dott increased the cost of renting a scooter by more than a third, prompting complaints to the West of England Combined Authority, with scooter users also saying it had become more difficult to find parking spots.

A review is being carried out by transport bosses who will decide whether to extend the contract with Dott, which is due to end in October, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Millions raised through the city's Clean Air Zone will pay for some bus services from April.

Councillors are considering which areas should be allocated financial support, with a focus on paying for unprofitable routes that operators are unlikely to fund themselves.

However, 2025 will also see a rise in fares. The previous Conservative government capped fares across the country at £2, but the Labour government is increasing this to £3, with effect from January.

In May, former Labour mayor Marvin Rees left after eight years in power. With him went the last remnants of hope that Bristol could get an underground metro network.

His flagship policy was building four light-rail lines across the city, but after millions of pounds was spent and years of arguments, an underground metro is now very unlikely.

Instead, an overground mass transit system is being considered, with the Greens in favour of building a tram network.

Whatever sort of mass transit is eventually chosen, nothing is expected to be built until at least the 2030s.

After a new train station opened at Ashley Down in September, two more are being planned in Bristol.

North Filton will serve the planned new indoor arena expected to open in 2026 and further along the line Henbury Station will reopen, although it's unclear when.

Uncertainty remains around the planned Portishead and Pill stations, which were axed by the Labour government shortly after it was elected last summer.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.