Rapid bus debate descends into farce
BRISTOL City council will push ahead with plans for a £48 million bendy bus route – despite warnings from the Government that the money may not be there to fund it.
There were farcical scenes at the Council House last night when members adjourned for their second tea break in two hours in the middle of a debate on the scheme.
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The authority is looking for the Government to pay £40 million towards the Ashton Vale to Temple Meads scheme – but with the Department for Transport facing cuts of £683 million this year, that looks increasingly uncertain.
At last night's council meeting, members agreed to risk £170,000 moving to the next stage of the scheme, arguing that to do nothing would only guarantee the council will get nothing.
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A number of members of the public raised concerns about the route before the debate, including the Bristol Civic Society and the Transport for Greater Bristol Alliance.
Executive member for transport Councillor Gary Hopkins (Lib Dem, Knowle) said: "A few months ago and this looked like a quick ten seconds and no questions, but there now clearly are questions.
"We should know in late autumn where we stand in terms of funding. We might get no funding at all. But if we fail to follow through or dither, we will get nothing."
Conservative Peter Abraham (Stoke Bishop) tried to put a last-minute motion to defer a decision on the scheme.
Mr Abraham said: "What I'm very concerned about is that we are being advised by the Government we should go no further and make no commitments.
"If you go with this today, you are at high risk."
Head of legal services Stephen McNamara said the deferment was not possible under council rules, which led to Lord Mayor Colin Smith calling an adjournment for tea so the Tories could consider an alternative motion.
Liberal Democrats protested, prompting Mr Smith to insist "we're going to tea". One Lib Dem replied "Well, we won't".
After the 20-minute break, councillors approved the motion after the Tories agreed to just have their concerns noted.
They had adjourned for tea less than two hours previously after a ceremony to honour former councillors that preceded the main meeting overran by 20 minutes.
This led to an angry response from dozens of members of the public who had waited patiently to have their say on a range of issues during public speaking time.
When the 40 minutes allowed for public statements and questions ran out, councillors were heckled by people who had not had a chance to speak and who claimed members were more concerned with "slapping their own backs" during the service to confer the title of alderman to the former councillors, than hearing what they had to say.
One said: "We're the public, we're the ones you should be consulting" and another said "go and have another cup of tea".
Councillors then voted to extend public speaking time twice.
Comments
by Stoo, Bristol
Friday, July 02 2010, 10:07AM
“Most of the cost of this scheme is for building and upgrading bridges over the river and harbour. There's already an active railway line running 800m from the Park & Ride to Temple Meads. Wouldn't it be much cheaper to use that instead? They could still build the city centre loop.”
by Londoner, in the west
Thursday, July 01 2010, 5:08PM
“James SW and Steve Collins are right. Parts of the Uk with transport authorities tend to fare better. This, to me, seems largely because it's an established mechanism. Bristol and neighbouring authorities threw out the idea of an integrated transport authority. Shame.
If it were up to me, I'd over-invest in Bristol, enabling it to catch-up. Otherwise, yet another generation will grow up thinking a car is the primary means of transport. For cost-efficiency purposes, Bristol could be part of a Southwest initiative; this would facilitate better transport integration with neighbouring counties. Someone - wish I remember who - said that successful societies have decent public transport.
For a city that at one stage built buses that were used in most parts of england and wales, it seems odd that it is now a shadow of its former self public transport-wise. I hope some of the money and schemes stay.”
by Nelly, Bristol on way to Bath
Thursday, July 01 2010, 1:58PM
“this whole city is a farce!”
by Gerry, Bristol
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 9:01PM
“Expecting to get £40,000,000 from this Government,they will be extremely lucky to get 40 pence.”
by Robert, Bristol
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 8:30PM
“If the Bendy Bus scheme does not go ahead does this mean that the £7.5m waiver on the section 106 for the Bristol City Stadium will not happen and therefore the city will be £7.5m richer (assuming the stadium goes ahead)”
by Richard, Bristol
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 6:00PM
“It's wonderful to see Dr Rogers commenting on here again, a true leader in pulling everyone together to take the city forward. However as much as I agree with James, South West that we need a 'Greater Bristol' decision maker, I have to defend South Gloucestershire and ask should we lead from the inside out or the outside in? From observation South Gloucestershire seem to lead with Sport Provision (excluding cycling), where they are about to spend £2.5 on Kingswood Leisure Centre, Bristol continues to close swimming pools and sell off parks..
Difficult but the question should be asked who'll lead when we get the opportunity to vote for an elected mayor as promised by David Cameron in the run up to the election.
This transport plan is essential for Bristol!”
by Nigel, Greater Bristol Expansion Group
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 5:49PM
“Why is everyone so down on any plans for improved public transport.
In Edinburgh, they are having a smashing new tram line built, they have constant opposition about road works and cost, its seems no is ever happy. I bet all those who oppose progress in transport drive theirs cars everywhere and never take a bus or train. Yes there is a lack of imagination in the Bristol local transport plan but at least we have one and for a change all Bristol counties are actually in agreement !!!
These rapid transit routes are not just any old bus routes or any old buses. Take the time to read the plans on travel plus website.”
by hannah©, bristol
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 5:46PM
“The real bendybus link
”
by hannah©, bristol
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 5:41PM
“click here if you like bendy buses
Just a bit of fun.”
by Cllr Jon Rogers, Ashley Ward Lib Dem Councillor
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 5:09PM
“Charlie, City Centre asks, "Where can I actually see a cost breakdown"?
The http://travelplus.org.uk/ has all the details of the Transport schemes on it.”