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The Government has finally given the go-ahead for the rapid MetroBus scheme in South Bristol, linking Ashton Vale with the city centre and Temple Meads.
Some 18 months after a public inquiry was held, and with no sign of the report from the independent inspector, the announcement was made yesterday in a letter from the Department of Transport. 
In it, the Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the benefits of the scheme – formally known as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT2) – outweighed any negative impact to local residents and heritage assets.
The independent inspector meanwhile added: “I conclude that the case for making the Order is compelling and in the public interest.”
Councillors on the West of England Joint Transport Executive Committee said in a statement: “This is a hugely significant milestone for MetroBus and a compelling endorsement of the project.
“It is a major milestone and means we can move forward with confidence on the Network in order to bring about a significant step change in the provision of public transport in the area.
“It has been a long process – we have been developing the plans since 2006 – and has only been achieved by virtue of our shared commitment to joint working to deliver benefits to the whole area.”
Paul Wilson, chief executive of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), added: “This is terrific news. I hope now that things gather momentum for these much needed MetroBus schemes bringing new infrastructure and investment to Bristol.”
The scheme has not been without controversy since it was unveiled as part of an overall £200m transport plan to deal with Bristol’s chronic congestion.
Last month, campaigners urged the mayor George Ferguson to live up to a pre-election statement in which he described BRT2 as a “scheme chasing money”.
Campaign group StopBRT2 has described the scheme was a “joke at taxpayers’ expense and more bad news for passengers”, claiming it will carry just 27 passengers during the peak hour in 2016 travelling between Hengrove Park and Long Ashton Park and Ride.
Groups such as the Bristol Civic Society have also attacked the plans, saying Bristol could end up paying a bigger public subsidy for MetroBus than it does for the existing park and ride service from Long Ashton.
Earlier this year, Bristol Mayor George Ferguson amended the route so that the rapid transit buses no longer run along the Harbourside but along Cumberland Road instead.
This change in the plan will still need planning permission if the £50m project is to be delivered by 2016.
