Bristol has a new Cabinet Member to lead on delivering a better connected, sustainable transport network.
Councillor Don Alexander, Labour Ward Councillor for Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston, will take up the role of Cabinet Member for Transport immediately.
Cllr Alexander will lead on delivering the Mayor’s vision for the city’s transport network, working closely with partners such as the One City Transport Board, First Bus, Network Rail and many others to do so. Major areas of work will include supporting the development of a regional plan for a mass transit system, overseeing a £1.783m investment in post-COVID-19 walking and cycling upgrades and supporting the decarbonising of the city’s transport systems.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said:
Don showed during our first term that he’s a councillor who can get things done for the community he represents. I’ve asked him to join the Cabinet to bring with him that enthusiasm and drive forward our plans to deliver better-connected communities where people have transport options that link them to opportunity.
Transport is one of the biggest challenges the city has faced for generations. As with all big legacy issues such as this you need to be bold and plan for the long term. Whilst we’ve worked to bring partners together to view the challenge at a city level we’ve also been hard at work to ensure those systems work at a local level. We’ve agreed a successful bus deal, saved local transport routes from being removed and delivered greater connectivity by cycling and walking. Don’s role will be vital in ensuring our strategic ambitions don’t outstretch our local delivery.
Cllr Alexander said:
I’m grateful to the Mayor for this opportunity to play a part in delivering his ambitious goals for the city’s transport systems. We’re fortunate to have so many eager and talented partners at the table to work with on delivering sustainable and inclusive transport options. I look forward to working with them and residents on turning our ideas into reality.
As an active bus user and a supporter of our public transport services I feel I have a good sense as to the challenges communities face in trying to connect to other parts of the city. Whilst solid foundations have been laid to introduce the infrastructure and models of transport needed to make travel cleaner and more efficient, there remain challenges to ensure our transport network works as best as it can now. This includes making sure that highway maintenance is co-ordinated, that our roads and cycleways are fit for purpose and communities have a voice to help guide local interventions to keep roads safe for all.
The next meeting of Cabinet will be on Tuesday, 13 July at 4pm and can be viewed via the Bristol City Council’s YouTube channel.