Gloucestershire County Council has backed plans for a new Mass Rapid Transport system for the county this November 2025.
Aiming to deliver 'high-quality, zero-emission public transport with more frequent bus services linking Cheltenham, Gloucester and surrounding areas', the council says this scheme will form the 'backbone of the county's planned Express Bus network.'
A report presented to the cabinet on Monday 3 November 2025 recommended moving forwards to the business case stage and early delivery steps.
Utilising the tried-and-tested bus rapid transport (BRT) concept, first steps are expected to be introducing a fleet of modern electric buses on existing routes at increased frequencies, providing a 'cleaner, quicker and more dependable way to travel.'
The council says the scheme will help to reduce congestion, support housing and economic growth and contribute to climate goals by encouraging people to get out of their cars, as well as bringing economic benefits to the region by improving links between Cheltenham, Gloucester and surrounding towns; encouraging investment in local businesses; and reducing delays to bus services.
The business case and early design will be funded by the £1 million Community Infrastructure Levy from Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council, with £250,000 contributed by the county council.
Cabinet member for sustainable transport and strategic highways, councillor Roger Whyborn, said: 'This is an exciting opportunity, to plan both for transport strategically for expected future housing and employment development and also for improvements in public transport in the short-term, which is clean, green and frequent, which people will want to use in preference to private car transport.
'I’m pleased to see strong support from our district partners through the CIL funding and we’re committed to working together to make this vision a reality. By investing now in early design and delivery opportunities, we’re laying the groundwork for a transport network that meets the needs of our growing county.'
The business case development is set to run until the end of the 2026/27 financial year.
