Latest news with #EmmaEdwards
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
UK city reveals plans for new trams as part of £800million transport upgrade – after they were scrapped 84 years ago
SEVERAL other cities in England have tran networks and they work efficiently TRAM-ENDOUS UK city reveals plans for new trams as part of £800million transport upgrade – after they were scrapped 84 years ago A TRAM line could be on the cards after planned changes to key roads in the city centre are set to create an 'unbroken' corridor — a crucial step towards building a future mass transit network. In Bristol, the proposed route would run from the Long Ashton park and ride in the south-west, through the city centre, and along the M32 to the north-east, largely separated from other traffic. Advertisement 4 Transport leaders say it's a strong contender for the first phase of a tram or rapid bus line Credit: Getty 4 This change will help the city tackle its housing crisis and sustain the vitality of the central area Credit: Getty Transport leaders say it's a strong contender for the first phase of a tram or rapid bus line. Over the next two years, significant roadworks will take place at several central hotspots including Bedminster Bridges roundabout, Redcliffe roundabout, Union Street, the Haymarket, and Bond Street. These upgrades will benefit the existing Metrobus M2 and set the groundwork for a future tram or rapid bus route. Transport officials at Bristol City Council say this new 'red route' could form the spine of a tram network. Advertisement Speaking to councillors on the transport policy committee, Green Cllr Emma Edwards said: 'This route in future could potentially turn into a mass rapid transit route, whatever that might mean: more buses or maybe other modes as well. "We're trying to solve a problem for the future by creating an unbroken route that could turn into mass transit. "We're trying to think about the long term.' While the exact form of the network is still under discussion, trams and bus rapid transit are the main options being explored. Advertisement The idea of a mass transit system for Bristol has been debated for decades. Former mayor Marvin Rees had proposed a partially underground system, but the spiralling cost halted progress. In 2023, former West of England Mayor Dan Norris vetoed the underground element entirely, calling it 'unrealistic'. Since then, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has continued to explore alternative solutions — without agreeing on whether a tram or bus system is best. Labour's Helen Godwin, the newly elected metro mayor, has yet to commit to a specific plan. Advertisement Meanwhile, Bristol City Council is pushing forward with the groundwork. Adam Crowther, head of city transport, said: 'Whether mass transit there ends up as a bus or a tram, either way it needs to be fully segregated from traffic, otherwise you get stuck and that's when they become unreliable and therefore people don't want to use them. "So it's about providing that full segregation.' He acknowledged that new bus lanes on Bond Street will worsen car traffic in the short term. Advertisement 4 Bristol City Centre Transport Changes Bristol city centre is set to change in the coming years, with major new housing developments and leisure and retail facilities planned Credit: Bristol City Council But councillors hope the changes will encourage more people to leave their cars at home in favour of public transport or cycling, reducing congestion in the long run. Labour Cllr Tim Rippington added: 'One bus carrying 50 passengers really should be given priority, in my opinion, over 25 cars queuing up. "I don't see a problem with stopping the traffic in order to allow a bus to pass by. It's all designed to deliver this red route. Advertisement "The worst thing that could happen is that we deliver all the infrastructure and then the lanes stay empty and we don't deliver the mass transit route until 10 years later. "I'm not even sure that the new metro mayor is aware that this route is our plan.' Redcliffe roundabout changes will also enable a potential orbital bus loop around the city centre, initially running anti-clockwise. Left turns are easier to implement than right turns, but funding remains uncertain. Advertisement Franchising may be required if commercial bus companies are unwilling to take it on. The full red route begins at Long Ashton park and ride, travels along a bus-only road to Cumberland Road, and then through the newly controlled Bedminster Bridges junction. Redcliff Street will become bus-only, and a bus gate at Bristol Bridge already blocks general traffic. From there, it heads through Union Street and past Primark at the Haymarket. Advertisement Further bus lanes are proposed along the M32, with a new park and ride to be built, though the location is still being debated. In the long term, the motorway could be downgraded to an A-road to accommodate tram or bus stops. WECA is currently developing an outline business case to assess the best way forward. Construction, however, is unlikely to begin before the 2030s. Advertisement
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
UK city reveals plans for new trams as part of £800million transport upgrade – after they were scrapped 84 years ago
A TRAM line could be on the cards after planned changes to key roads in the city centre are set to create an 'unbroken' corridor — a crucial step towards building a future mass transit network. In Bristol, the proposed route would run from the Long Ashton park and ride in the south-west, through the city centre, and along the M32 to the north-east, largely separated from other traffic. 4 4 Transport leaders say it's a strong contender for the first phase of a tram or rapid bus line. Over the next two years, significant roadworks will take place at several central hotspots including Bedminster Bridges roundabout, Redcliffe roundabout, Union Street, the Haymarket, and Bond Street. These upgrades will benefit the existing Metrobus M2 and set the groundwork for a future tram or rapid bus route. Transport officials at Bristol City Council say this new 'red route' could form the spine of a tram network. Speaking to councillors on the transport policy committee, Green Cllr Emma Edwards said: 'This route in future could potentially turn into a mass rapid transit route, whatever that might mean: more buses or maybe other modes as well. "We're trying to solve a problem for the future by creating an unbroken route that could turn into mass transit. "We're trying to think about the long term.' While the exact form of the network is still under discussion, trams and bus rapid transit are the main options being explored. The idea of a mass transit system for Bristol has been debated for decades. Former mayor Marvin Rees had proposed a partially underground system, but the spiralling cost halted progress. In 2023, former West of England Mayor Dan Norris vetoed the underground element entirely, calling it 'unrealistic'. Since then, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has continued to explore alternative solutions — without agreeing on whether a tram or bus system is best. Labour's Helen Godwin, the newly elected metro mayor, has yet to commit to a specific plan. Meanwhile, Bristol City Council is pushing forward with the groundwork. Adam Crowther, head of city transport, said: 'Whether mass transit there ends up as a bus or a tram, either way it needs to be fully segregated from traffic, otherwise you get stuck and that's when they become unreliable and therefore people don't want to use them. "So it's about providing that full segregation.' He acknowledged that new bus lanes on Bond Street will worsen car traffic in the short term. 4 But councillors hope the changes will encourage more people to leave their cars at home in favour of public transport or cycling, reducing congestion in the long run. Labour Cllr Tim Rippington added: 'One bus carrying 50 passengers really should be given priority, in my opinion, over 25 cars queuing up. "I don't see a problem with stopping the traffic in order to allow a bus to pass by. It's all designed to deliver this red route. "The worst thing that could happen is that we deliver all the infrastructure and then the lanes stay empty and we don't deliver the mass transit route until 10 years later. "I'm not even sure that the new metro mayor is aware that this route is our plan.' Redcliffe roundabout changes will also enable a potential orbital bus loop around the city centre, initially running anti-clockwise. Left turns are easier to implement than right turns, but funding remains uncertain. Franchising may be required if commercial bus companies are unwilling to take it on. The full red route begins at Long Ashton park and ride, travels along a bus-only road to Cumberland Road, and then through the newly controlled Bedminster Bridges junction. Redcliff Street will become bus-only, and a bus gate at Bristol Bridge already blocks general traffic. From there, it heads through Union Street and past Primark at the Haymarket. Further bus lanes are proposed along the M32, with a new park and ride to be built, though the location is still being debated. In the long term, the motorway could be downgraded to an A-road to accommodate tram or bus stops. WECA is currently developing an outline business case to assess the best way forward. Construction, however, is unlikely to begin before the 2030s. 4
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
UK city reveals plans for new trams as part of £800million transport upgrade – after they were scrapped 84 years ago
A TRAM line could be on the cards after planned changes to key roads in the city centre are set to create an 'unbroken' corridor — a crucial step towards building a future mass transit network. In Bristol, the proposed route would run from the Long Ashton park and ride in the south-west, through the city centre, and along the M32 to the north-east, largely separated from other traffic. 4 Transport leaders say it's a strong contender for the first phase of a tram or rapid bus line Credit: Getty 4 This change will help the city tackle its housing crisis and sustain the vitality of the central area Credit: Getty Transport leaders say it's a strong contender for the first phase of a tram or rapid bus line. Over the next two years, significant roadworks will take place at several central hotspots including Bedminster Bridges roundabout, Redcliffe roundabout, Union Street, the Haymarket, and These upgrades will benefit the existing Metrobus M2 and set the groundwork for a future tram or rapid bus route. Transport officials at Bristol City Council say this new 'red route' could form the spine of a tram network. Read more on Travel Speaking to councillors on the transport policy committee, Green Cllr Emma Edwards said: 'This route in future could potentially turn into a mass rapid transit route, whatever that might mean: more buses or maybe other modes as well. "We're trying to solve a problem for the future by creating an unbroken route that could turn into mass transit. "We're trying to think about the long term.' While the exact form of the network is still under discussion, trams and bus rapid transit are the main options being explored. Most read in News Travel The idea of a mass transit system for Bristol has been debated for decades. Former mayor Marvin Rees had proposed a partially underground system, but the spiralling cost halted progress. In 2023, former West of England Mayor Dan Norris vetoed the underground element entirely, calling it 'unrealistic'. Since then, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has continued to explore alternative solutions — without agreeing on whether a tram or bus system is best. Labour's Helen Godwin, the newly elected metro mayor, has yet to commit to a specific plan. Meanwhile, Bristol City Council is pushing forward with the groundwork. Adam Crowther, head of city transport, said: 'Whether mass transit there ends up as a bus or a tram, either way it needs to be fully segregated from traffic, otherwise you get stuck and that's when they become unreliable and therefore people don't want to use them. "So it's about providing that full segregation.' He acknowledged that new bus lanes on Bond Street will worsen car traffic in the short term. 4 Bristol City Centre Transport Changes Bristol city centre is set to change in the coming years, with major new housing developments and leisure and retail facilities planned Credit: Bristol City Council But councillors hope the changes will encourage more people to leave their cars at home in favour of public transport or cycling, reducing congestion in the long run. Labour Cllr Tim Rippington added: 'One bus carrying 50 passengers really should be given priority, in my opinion, over 25 cars queuing up. "I don't see a problem with stopping the traffic in order to allow a bus to pass by. It's all designed to deliver this red route. "The worst thing that could happen is that we deliver all the infrastructure and then the lanes stay empty and we don't deliver the mass transit route until 10 years later. "I'm not even sure that the new metro mayor is aware that this route is our plan.' Redcliffe roundabout changes will also enable a potential orbital bus loop around the city centre, initially running anti-clockwise. Left turns are easier to implement than right turns, but funding remains uncertain. Franchising may be required if commercial bus companies are unwilling to take it on. The full red route begins at Long Ashton park and ride, travels along a bus-only road to Cumberland Road, and then through the newly controlled Bedminster Bridges junction. Redcliff Street will become bus-only, and a bus gate at Bristol Bridge already blocks general traffic. From there, it heads through Union Street and past Primark at the Haymarket. Further bus lanes are proposed along the M32, with a new park and ride to be built, though the location is still being debated. In the long term, the motorway could be downgraded to an A-road to accommodate tram or bus stops. WECA is currently developing an outline business case to assess the best way forward. Construction, however, is unlikely to begin before the 2030s. 4 The idea of a mass transit system for Bristol has been debated for decades Credit: Getty
Irish Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
How your childhood money experiences could be ruining your finances today
Your earliest money memories might be sabotaging your present day finances. That top you bought after a bad day at work? That inflated PCP loan on a prestige car you can't actually afford? That savings accoun t you keep meaning to open? READ MORE Or that skimping you do on the bill at the end of a meal, that makes your friends' eyes roll… Most of these behaviours can be traced back to attitudes and beliefs around money that we formed in childhood, according to Emma Edwards of The Broke Generation. In this episode of Better With Money , we speak to the finance writer, podcaster and author about the self-defeating narratives we tell ourselves that get in the way of wealth and financial well-being. 'We all know if you spend less you have more money, but it's never quite as simple as that. When we look at the resistance we're having to that change, then we've got some of the answers. [For example] 'I know what to do but I can't make myself do it. Why is this hard for me, what is this resistance?' It's because there's a feeling of scarcity, there's a feeling of a lack of safety or I don't have belief in myself.' In her case, Edwards explains the breakdown of her parents' marriage and the financial uncertainty that that created growing up led her down a path of fiscal self-sabotage. Perhaps a financially precarious childhood may lead you to think 'money could disappear at any time so why not spend it?' Alas, the spending makes the money disappear… and the negative feedback loop continues. So what is your money mindset and how might it be keeping you from securing your future and financial wellness in the present? Listen to this fascinating discussion on the player above, or search for Better With Money wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Broke Generation Good With Money by Emma Edwards is available in all good bookshops The concept of money mindset categories were popularised by the financial psychologist Dr. Brad Klontz
