Public transport in Bristol is set to be transformed with the announcement of funding for a new rapid bus network in the city.

The £34 million of government investment in Bristol Metrobus will improve connections between key areas of employment, housing, retail and leisure. It will also combat traffic congestion, spur regeneration and support new homes and jobs.

A new bus service will be created from the south-west of the city to the centre, running along a new 2.5-mile segregated busway from the Long Ashton Park and Ride site.

This will follow the course of former rail routes, while the city centre section is to run on existing roads, with added bus priority measures including bus lanes and upgraded junctions. A new bridge is to be built over the Bristol to Portishead rail line as part of the project. 

Transport minister Baroness Kramer said: "The Bristol Metrobus will provide a step change improvement for public transport serving not just in the city itself, but also surrounding communities."