Bristol missed out on a Supertram in 2000 and although tram/light rail ideas are often floated, nothing ever seems to happen. But across the water….
Come and listen to Professor Mark Barry, the driving force behind Cardiff’s new trams and light rail, and hear what Bristol and Bath can learn from it. Why did Cardiff realise that basing its transport on cars was not viable? Why did it shift to a light rail/tram system? And what are the lessons that can be applied to other cities?
Is it time for Bristol to tackle its chronic transport issues in the way Cardiff – and 8 other UK cities – have, by focussing on light rail and trams rather than more roads, a process that has clearly not solved congestion in Bristol. How and why does light rail/tram improve employment and the local economy and environment? Why has France, having removed nearly all its trams post war, reinstalled them in all its major cities?
The speaker: Mark Barry is Professor of Practice in Connectivity at Cardiff University. He wrote the influential 2011 report making the case for a Metro, and has been closely involved with its implementation.
Venue: The Bristol Royal Infirmary Education Centre (opposite the BRI Main Entrance), Upper Maudlin St, Bristol BS2 8HW. Doors open at 7; the event starts at 7.30
Admission is free, but places must be reserved in advance. Members will be invited by email to book a place.
The event has been organised by the Bath and Bristol Area Trams association in association with the Bristol Civic Society, the Tramforward Campaign group of the Light Rail Transit Association and the Bristol Rail Campaign (formerly FoSBR)
Presentation slides
This is a link to the slides used in Professor Mark Barry’s talk on ‘Cardiff’s Approach to transport- lessons for Bristol and Bath‘. The slides have been made available by kind permission of Professor Barry who, like most of our speakers, made no charge for giving his talk. We would draw attention to the final slide in which he notes that he is fundraising for Lobular Breast Cancer UK, via justgiving.com, and contains a link for those who may wish to show their appreciation by donating.
Video of event
A video of the event can be viewed through this link.