Proof of Evidence of Mr James Willcock

Document Reference Number OA/13
Proof of Evidence of Mr James Willcock
which match the surrounding materials, such as pennant stone walls and metal
work, so that the character is retained and enhanced where possible. The small
scale railway features, which make an important contribution to the character of
the area, would be retained and re-used. For further detail regarding the
engineering interface of the heritage railway with the AVTM bus-way refer to the
Proof of Evidence of Mr Bruce Slattery OA/4 covering scheme Engineering.
Ashton Vale to Temple Meads (AVTM) Operational Effect on the Existing Bus
Network
6.9 As part of the engagement with bus operators during the development of the
AVTM scheme, First Group have made an initial commitment to divert services X1,
354 and 361 which currently operate between North Somerset and Bristol
Marlborough Street Bus Station, onto the guided section of the AVTM Scheme
before continuing via Prince Street onto their current route; and hence would gain
the benefits of journey time savings between the A370 and the Centre. The
diversion of the three services from Hotwell Road would therefore be a potential
impact on passengers currently travelling along the corridor.
6.10 Firstly, the diversion of the three services from Hotwell Road would still leave a
number of services continuing to operate along the corridor. Excluding the Park
and Ride services to Portway, there would still be 8 buses per hour in the peak
along Hotwell Road, as well as bus service 505 and 506 operating along part of
Anchor/Hotwell Road to Southmead Hospital, which are unaffected. Secondly, the
number of passengers using the X1, 354 and 361 services to travel within the
Hotwell Road corridor is small – most passengers travel through the corridor
between North Somerset and central Bristol. Further information about existing
usage of bus service X1, 354 and 361 is contained in Mr Rob Thompson’s Proof of
Evidence OA/6.
Ashton Vale to Temple Meads (AVTM ) BRT Service Operational Benefits
6.11 The BRT service is proposed to operate up to every 6 minutes (10 services per
hour). The investment in the BRT infrastructure will cut journey times, thereby
reducing bus operating costs. The existing park & ride service 903 operates a
service frequency of every 10 minutes in the AM peak and every 7 minutes in the
PM peak, with a peak vehicle requirement of 6 vehicles. The AVTM BRT service in
comparison will operate every 6 minutes in the AM and PM peaks and has a peak
vehicle requirement of 5 vehicles. A saving of 1 vehicle from the 6 to 5 vehicles
represents a 16% reduction in vehicle operating costs, while also yielding a 66%
increase in service frequency in the AM peak and 16% increase in the PM peak.
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