A year may seem like a long time but sorting out a transport masterplan takes a lot longer.

Although it might not seem like much has improved in 2008, the last 12 months have seen several balls starting to roll and some real improvements have been made.

The punctuality and frequent of trains has improved, pacifying those who protested in January about paying exorbitant fares for the country's worst train service.

First Great Western were given a sharp rap over the knuckles by the Government in March, with a warning that it risked losing its franchise if things didn't improve.

Since then, things have got better and for new managing director Mark Hopwood the focus in 2009 will be on working with Network Rail to keep the trains running smoothly until new rolling stock arrives in 2012.

In May, the Government announced £42 million for the next round of Showcase bus routes linking the city centre to the rest of greater Bristol.

Next year will see the construction of this Greater Bristol Bus Network continuing as new bus lanes, shelters and timetables are installed.

Several bus routes have been cancelled by First this year in a bid to streamline what is seen as an over-complicated and inefficient network. Some people have been inconvenienced by the changes but figures show that First's performance is improving, albeit at the cost to the passenger of some of the highest bus fares in the country.

Authorities were pleased at the smooth opening of Cabot Circus in September, when the predicted traffic chaos failed to materialise.

As 2009 continues, the city council will have new powers from the Department for Transport to stop people parking in bus lanes, using CCTV and eventually automatic number plate recognition systems to fine motorists who block buses and cause congestion.

The first – perhaps the most controversial – scheme planned for 2009 will happen in January, when a proposal to close one lane of Prince Street Bridge to cars. It is the first high-profile scheme to happen under Bristol's new status as the nation's first Cycling Demonstration City.

Details of exactly how the city council plans to spend the £22 million for the project will be released in the next fortnight.

For Bristol International Airport 2008 saw a dispute over the construction of a covered passenger walkway leading from the terminal.

The coming 12 months promise to be much more eventful, as it submits an application to North Somerset Council for its £80 million expansion in March.

Before the year is out the Bristol Port Company will submit to the Government a bid to build its £500 million deep sea container terminal at Avonmouth.

Plans to create a link around south Bristol – very possibly an extension of the Avon Ring Road – will also continue.

However, 2009 does not look like it will be a particularly happy year for motorists.

As well as the Prince Street Bridge scheme, congestion is likely to be increased with further work on the as yet incomplete bus lane along the M32. Towards the end of 2009, the Highways Agency will continue to resurface the M5 Avonmouth Bridge, most likely causing yet more traffic jams around the busy area.

Residents' parking zones are due to come into force in in Clifton or Kingsdown in December, meaning unless you have a permit, you won't be able to park there.

Some fear that this will simply push the commuters out to neighbouring areas.

The point has been raised that, until there is a park and ride at the top of the M32, there is nowhere else for commuter traffic to go. A shortlist of sites is expected to be revealed early in 2009.

An integrated transport authority has been repeatedly called for and new legislation is in place to make it happen. So perhaps some more joined-up work between Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council would work wonders for the city.