MAJOR improvements to public transport could be on their way for residents of Keynsham, Saltford and the surrounding area.

The improvements revealed by Bath and North East Somerset Council are part of a £60-million investment to improve public transport.

Under the plans, buses on the A4 serving Keynsham and Saltford, should become faster, more reliable and easier to use.

All stops will be fitted with raised kerbs so people with pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility problems can get onto buses more easily.

New shelters and information screens will also be provided at the busiest stops.

The improvements will benefit people who travel into Bristol as well as those going to Bath.

Hicks Gate roundabout is to have traffic lights as a result of the Greater Bristol Bus Network.

Newbridge Park and Ride will also be doubled in size to accommodate 1,000 cars.

The Park and Ride will be linked to Bath city centre via a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route.

Part of the route will follow a disused railway line between Brassmill Lane and Windsor Bridge Road.

Keynsham councillor Charles Gerrish, cabinet member for customer services, said: "Bath and North East Somerset Council intends to provide an integrated transport system for local residents across the district and beyond.

"Upgrading the bus routes, expanding Newbridge Park and Ride, investing in the bus rapid transit, better cycling facilities, and building the new SouthGate Transport Interchange will benefit residents living in Keynsham, Saltford and the surrounding area.

"By making buses as fast, efficient, reliable and accessible as possible, we hope more people will decide that taking the bus is more attractive and economical than using their car."

The council also wants to encourage as many people as possible to cycle.

It has teamed up with two companies to provide a conventional and powered bike-hire service.

Bikes will be available for hire at Newbridge Park and Ride.

The Bus Rapid Transit system route will also be open to cyclists, providing another cycle route in and out of Bath that will be free of cars.

More details on council's website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/stopgridlock.