PM gives ‘strongest backing yet’ for mass transit in Bristol

PM gives ‘strongest backing yet’ for mass transit in Bristol News — 2026 PM gives ‘strongest backing yet’ for mass transit in Bristol Bristol students express wide support for public transport improvement, citing difficulties following bus pass cuts. ,   and  Daniel Cale-Caplan 14 October 2026 . 9:00 PM 3 min read Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share via Email By Daniel Cale-Caplan, News Reporter Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reiterated his support for a mass transit system for the West of England. In an interview at the new No. 10 North, the PM said he believes that Bristol should be able to ‘aspire to a tram system similar to the one that we have here in Manchester’. Last month, the mayor of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Helen Godwin, said Bristol deserves a mass transit system, discussing the possibility of ‘bus-based mass transit’. What is mass transit?  The Bristol city council describes mass transit as a system of public transportation that is able to move large numbers of people across the city and run separately to other traffic. Mass transit could be ‘made up of several different types of transport’, and could run ‘both over and underground.’  There has been much speculation as to what mass transit would look like in the region. Burnham hinted at a tram system, while the mayor suggested a reliance on improved bus networks and the possibility of ‘segregated bus lanes’. Affordability was also a discussion point for Godwin, who stated that running some of the routes was costing ‘over £50 per passenger’ - which she described as an ‘extraordinary amount of money’.  Nonetheless, there is consensus among key figures that improved public transportation in Bristol and the surrounding area is key to economic growth in the region, helping to connect residents to employment, education, and leisure opportunities.  With Bristol being one of the cities with the highest car ownership per household, a mass transit system could offer an environmentally friendly alternative with a reduction of carbon emissions. The PM has also promised a £2 cap on bus fares | No 10 Downing Street / Lauren HurleyWhat would new or improved public transport mean for you?  Epigram spoke to students and asked for their opinions on the new plans for public transport in the city.  One student living in North Village commented on the difficulty of getting to and from lectures, stating that ‘it takes a lot of time’. She also described having to wake up ‘two hours before a lecture’ for fear of being late due to unreliable bus services, including the U1, which impacted her sleep schedule and work-life balance.  University of Bristol to axe Stoke Bishop bus passes The University is rolling back free bus passes for the next academic year. EpigramSofia Lambis Following the university’s plans to axe the free U1 bus passes to and from Stoke Bishop, several students commented on affordability. One described the bus pass as ‘super expensive’ and lamented a ‘lack of compensation’ when buses are cancelled. Another student described the buses as ‘quite disorganised’ and ‘not really worth the sort of price you have to pay’.  All students surveyed agreed they would welcome ‘any change’ to Bristol’s public transport that meant greater efficiency and lower cost at the point of use. Featured image: Epigram / Lenny Osler Related News Counter-demonstration dwarfs anti-migrant side at College Green protest ,   and  Beth Robinson ,   and  Melis Akdogan ,   and  Ellie Henderson ,   and  Amy Granger 13 October 2026 News Students rally behind French protesters as concerns over education conditions grow ,   and  Nyx Osborne Sandford ,   and  Hannah Roberts 7 October 2026 News Student societies criticise University of Bristol and Bristol SU in open letter, following far-right influencers on campus ,   and  Beth Robinson 7 October 2026 Breaking News Student protest drives far-right commentator off Bristol campus ,   and  Lenny Osler ,   and  Dana Andrea Datu 5 October 2026 Latest From campus to protest: Inside France's student strikes ,   and  Sadie Lessman ,   and  Ruby Wright 15 October 2026 2026/2027 Application 39: Possibility for Change ,   and  Rosie Napthine 14 October 2026 Film & TV Ink: Danny Boyle makes it loud ,   and  Charles Hubbard 14 October 2026 Comment Cult of Bourdainism: Are we turning curiosity into an aesthetic? ,   and  Lara Kurtulus 14 October 2026