In order to deal effectively with the transport demands arising from both current travel conditions and the extent of expected development, the North Fringe to Hengrove Package includes an integrated set of transport schemes to tackle congestion, reduce car dependency and encourage more people to make sustainable travel choices.

Central to the package is the need to build on the Ashton Vale to Temple Meads rapid transit route to form a comprehensive network linking the North Fringe and Emersons Green, to the city centre, Hengrove and Ashton Vale.

The principles of rapid transit include an emphasis on separation from general traffic, high quality stops and interchanges, high profile marketing and publicity, and new, environmentally friendly vehicles, to provide a superior journey experience at an affordable cost. In addition, emphasis will be placed on encouraging cycling and walking, where possible through the provision of high quality, parallel infrastructure, creating sustainable transport corridors benefiting a wide range of users.

Patronage for the new system will be maximised by providing a park and ride facility close to the M32 in Bristol.

Effective delivery of interchange improvements with rapid transit in the North Fringe and in the city centre will be facilitated through a new transport link at Stoke Gifford and a major upgrade of The Centre bus interchanges in the city centre.