The new m4 metrobus service route between Cribbs Causeway and Bristol will run from 22nd January 2023. First West of England – who is operating the new service – announced details of the m4 which will join the m2 and m3, which started operating in 2018, and the m1, which launched in 2019.
Buses on the m4 service will run on biomethane, using food waste as a sustainable fuel. Local people will also benefit from upgraded bus stops along the route with real-time information. The installation of bus shelters and iPoints (combined ticket machines and information displays), along with landscaping, will be completed over the winter – meaning the wait to climb aboard is almost over.
Works along the m4’s new route have been carried out by South Gloucestershire Council thanks to £57 million of funding from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris.
The route will see fast and direct biomethane-powered buses between Cribbs Causeway and Bristol, linking The Mall, Bristol Parkway Station and University of the West of England with the center of the city. It will serve communities in Patchway and Stoke Gifford. It will also eventually serve the new Bristol Arena and Brabazon development on the former Filton Airfield.
“We’re proud to be operating the m4 and giving even more people the chance to experience the metrobus and travel sustainably on a modern bus network. We very much welcome this investment in bus infrastructure, which is critical to the region’s transition to a sustainable, low carbon future. Since the m3 and m2 were launched in 2018, and then the m1 in January 2019, metrobuses have carried over 13 million passengers, despite the pandemic. These services enable faster, more direct journeys. They offer customers a cheaper and greener alternative to the car and taking the bus is a great way to support family budgets as more people consider cost saving measures,” said Doug Claringbold, Managing Director of First West of England.
“It’s positive to see progress being made on this new m4 service. Important work like the widening of Gipsy Patch Lane to install new bus lanes – fully funded by the West of England Combined Authority I lead – has been completed and First say buses on the m4 route will start to run in January,” commented Metro Mayor Dan Norris.
Source: First West of England/West of England Combined Authority
