HOPE has been given to campaigners fighting to give Greater Bristol a transport system fit for the 21st century.

Just two days after the Evening Post launched the Let's Get Bristol Moving campaign, councillors from our four local authorities have agreed to look at the idea of setting up an Integrated Transport Authority.

But they have also put the final nail in the coffin for Bristol's proposed tram project. Transport campaigners were told councillors would press ahead with funding bids for the controversial bendy-bus schemes for Bristol, despite concerns that either trams or local rail improvements are what the area really needs.

An ITA would have powers to deal with the transport problems across the council areas and could bring in improvements such as a stronger suburban railway network.

Previously West of England Partnership members had rejected calls for an ITA, but at a meeting yesterday at the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare, they agreed that it at least needed a closer look.

The partnership – which represents Bristol city, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset councils – will formally debate the issue in September.

In the meantime officers will produce a report looking at the cost of setting up an ITA.

But councillors are keeping their options open, as officers will also look at ways to give the partnership more power without an ITA.