New year, new screens: £1 million of bus improvements

Many of the West’s bus passengers are seeing improvements to bus information across our region, with around 150 new information screens already helping people get around more easily using public transport and another 100 set to be installed this month.

These latest improvements follow on from a period of big changes for buses in the West, with click to open in a new windowthe first 129 new green buses now on our roads, and 160 more already on the way, and the click to open in a new windowsuccess of Kids Go Free, which returned over the Christmas school holidays.

The investment in new technology, using some of the Bus Grant secured from the UK Government’s Department for Transport by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, will see over 250 new and upgraded screens installed in total, including:

• 225 upgraded Real Time Information (RTI) screens installed at bus stops and stations, with improved colour screens for service information, including 18 screens to replace old displays at Bristol Bus & Coach Station
• 21 ‘e-paper’ digital displays replace conventional printed timetables, from Ashton Gate to Wick, Patchway to Peasedown St John
• Ten indoor information screens at local hospitals and in other key public places, such as Bath Bus Station, Bath Royal United Hospital (RUH), Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI), Bristol Parkway Station, Southmead Hospital, and Weston General Hospital
• Three new solar-powered screens at bus stops, without the need for mains electricity

Over half of these screens have now been installed, with the remainder due to be in place by the end of January.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

“Our latest £1 million improvements for bus passengers add to the start of a bright new chapter for transport in the West. New night services and new green buses are rolling out, with many more on the way; more train stations are being built; and we’ve secured further record transport investment for the coming years.

“In 2026, these new screens are another sign of what’s to come: better buses that are easier to use. As we work together with councils and operators to build a bus network that people can rely on, ensuring more accurate information for passengers is a crucial and continuing part of that effort for our region.”

Deputy Mayor and Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Kevin Guy, said:

“Real time, reliable information is what passengers tell us they value as a priority. By upgrading screens at key bus stops, hospitals and transport hubs across Bath and North East Somerset – from Whitchurch to Westfield and Bathampton to Bishop Sutton – this funding will make buses simpler to use and help more people get to work, school, universities, appointments and nights out without needing to drive.”

Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:

“These exciting new improvements, which add to our existing digital displays, represent a step forward for Bristol’s bus passengers. By providing clear, real-time updates at stops, stations, and hospitals, we can make public transport across the city easier and more reliable for everyone.

“The number of people using buses has bounced back strongly since the pandemic, stronger than many other regions. This clear public desire to use our bus network is reflected in the plans we have to improve routes and bring about greater reliability and the speed of travel along our network. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in the region to deliver these improvements and give people more of a reason to jump on the bus.“

Councillor Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said:

“We’re also proud to be improving public transport infrastructure across North Somerset in ways that respond to how people travel day to day. From better shelters and seating to real-time information and new wider transport waiting areas, these upgrades are making waiting for the bus more comfortable and accessible in communities across the region. The new transport waiting area at Weston General Hospital is a great example of this work in action, showing how thoughtful design and local investment can significantly improve the passenger experience and support more people to choose the bus. We have already transformed 150 bus stops and will see larger hubs introduced in our key towns next year.”

Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said:

“Having reliable, clear, and accurate timetable information is essential to help encourage more people to use public transport. These new screens will make it easier for residents to make informed decisions when planning their journeys by offering real-time information they can trust.”

Original press release by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority