Decision details

The report provides an update on the MetroWest Phase 1 project and seeks approval to take the project forward to the next stage.

The Cabinet Members agree:

(1) To APPROVE the £188k provisionally allocated in the 2014/15 capital programme for expenditure on the preparation of the Outline Business Case for MetroWest Phase 1; and

(2) To DELEGATE authority to the Divisional Director of Environmental Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport to enter into a ‘joint promotion agreement’ with North Somerset, Bristol City and South Gloucestershire Councils for the purpose of facilitating joint working to deliver the MetroWest Project, within approved funding limits.

The Preliminary Business Case illustrates that the project has an excellent Benefit to Cost Ratio over a number of options and therefore has every likelihood of receiving funding.  In addition the Business Case has been subject to an independent review in accordance with the West of England Local Transport Body Board Assurance Framework.

The project has reviewed, with Network Rail, a number of detailed timetable options to optimise the use of rolling stock and provide a regular service across the conurbation.  These are detailed in the Preliminary Business case.