I have never been against building more capacity.

How about a new network of lines for long distance trains only, with a design speed of 200Kmh, no slow trains. This is not high speed, and will be a lot cheaper than HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s)). Build with tunnels where possible and integrate into existing cities outside of the current main station, but close enough to allow|encourage local fast transit systems to develop. The saved budget could help kickstart proper local transit systems within the UKs^▸ (United Kingdom) large metropolitan areas.

So what can we expect to help deliver this worthy goal?

I am not against Hs2 because of cost, route or BREXIT.

I am against HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s)) because I don't believe that the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)'s size and population distribution lend itself to high speed rail. Major cities are to close and its is inconceivable to run long routes without stopping at Birmingham, Manchester|Leeds. The consequence of this is why should we spend £50-100BN to save a few minutes of individual journeys.

As a country we need better rail links, faster services, more rail resilience.

One of the interesting points raised by Elon Musk, with respect to the Boring Company, is that tunnel production hasn't changed much in the last X years, and is generally slow and expensive. The whole premise of the Boring company is build lines fast, smaller and cheaper; and to beat Gary (the lab Snail) in the process.

Whilst it is not easy to imagine a new way of building rail lines in a dramatically cheaper way, it might be possible to increasing automate the process of building rail tunnels. This would allow a much better way of estimating costs.

I think Mr Freeman is indirectly hinting that we need to create Bus Lanes by introducing road charging at peak times.

As said above, all doubledecker through this arched bridge have to centre themselves, otherwise the above will happen.

Being somewhat experienced of GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) replacement bus services this year from Bristol Parkway, I think this will complete almost three months of bus services this year, I can safely say find another route.

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of  a replacement bus from Filton Abbey Wood to Bristol Parkway, and the bus driver did not know the route.

The on going work at Temple Meads Gyratory  means any schedule plans for buses to/from Temple Meads can only be aspirational. So for me a 73 bus in the morning to St Mary Redcliffe, avoiding the last bit to Temple Meads, and the T1 in the evening. Both seems reliable, but definitely slower. At a guess I have lost 45 minutes per day.

There are several bike boxes in the car park, no sure what the arrangement is to use them but I do agree that a bike rack and security camera would be money spent, as would a coffee stall (opportunity for someone?) and a small ticket office (why not merge them).

Before anyone wonders, Filton Abbey Wood has a very high throughput and could justify being manned with some basic services.

Having been to Japan, I can wish that Network Rail where as punctual.

Looking at your phone, and feeling the train move at 2-3s past the expected minute ...

Seriously, from a UK^▸ (United Kingdom) POV, I do expect trains or information systems to be punctual. If a train is late, the systems should tell you.

Also, if a train has missed its slot and is going to be bumped behind another another it should tell you. The nunber of times I have boarded a local train, and had to wait whilst a late Cross Country train arrives, and on few occasions the local train has had to wait for the next Cross Country Train (ref Bristol Temple Meads, 1600 CC, 16:15 Local stopping Service to Bristol Parkway, 16:30 CC).

telling the current situation, clearly (truth ?), would be a good start for a MetroBus Spin Doctor.

Why not define several trunk (spine routes) that are free.

This could be funded by a Council Transport Fund, from a household levy.

Whats the point of having millions of pounds of new toys and never using them?

My wife tells me that when her mother used to say 'someday' her stock reply from 3 years of age was someday never comes.

Italy may have a rich end, and a poor end, but it does not have a heavily populated end and an empty end. The UK^▸ (United Kingdom) does.

It would be much more sensible to improve links across the North, and across the Midlands.

I'd also like to see the Bristol to Birmingham link improved

With the lack of details about new rail schedules, for December, is it known when the extra trains from Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington , via Bristol Parkway, will run?

It is great,   , to have all this investment at Bristol Parkway, Filton Abbeywood and Filton Bank, but the lack of coordination and clarity of delivery leaves me, and others, unsure when things will actually get better and justify all this hassle.

Having waited for a bus this morning, ( two not appearing) it was third time lucky for me with the printed schedule and First Bus App.

Party of the strategy must include enforcement for schedules, and punishment if buses do not run. For a route to loose two consecutive buses is not really acceptable, and for the App not to tell you is really annoying.

Does this mean, subject to train and staff availability, we should see more reliable and frequent services in the new year?

Or will these upgrades lie idle for years, like all the Metrobus infrastructure in along the M1 corrider.