Purpose

The Bath City Centre project aims to reduce
car dependency by improving infrastructure for active travel and
public transport. It is divided into two phases: Phase 1 focuses on
cycling infrastructure, while Phase 2 enhances bus journeys,
particularly around Bath Bus Station, to improve reliability and
user experience.
Due to early modelling showing delays from a proposed bus gate,
Phase 2B has been removed, resulting in a £200k reduction in
the Full Business Case budget. The saved funds have been
reallocated to cover shortfalls in Phase 1, which recently received
a change request for an additional £198k.

Decision

To fully accept a reduction in of £200k
from the original budget of £711k alongside a reduction in
scope as part of a change request approved by WECA on 7th November
2025.

Alternative options considered

To continue with the development of a bus gate
as part of Phase 2, with several alternatives evaluated in
collaboration with transport and highways teams. Modelling showed
that the high volume of buses and existing delays from Phase 1
would worsen journey times. As this would conflict with the
project's goal of encouraging bus use, the decision was made not to
proceed with the bus gate.