Brabazon is to become part of the metrobus network as the m4 launches a change in route which will take passengers straight into the new neighbourhood from today (Thursday, 16 April).
It means residents living in the town, which was namedas one of the government’s potential new towns last month, now have a direct bus link for the first time connecting them to Bristol Parkway and the city centre.
The m4 will also serve BristolBrabazon station when it opens in autumn 2026.
The new route will see the m4 turn off Gipsy Patch Line, into Horizon 38 business park at Titan Road, before crossing over the A38 and into Brabazon.
The m4 will then stop at bus stops on the newly-opened Runway Avenue East which has been built on the old Filton Airfield.
The new stops are:
- Runway Avenue East – W-bound
- Brabazon Park – W-bound
- Runway Avenue East – E-bound
- Brabazon Park – E-bound
After Runway Avenue East the m4 will join Hayes Way at the Blenheim roundabout and continue to Cribbs Causeway.
The m4 will then return along the same route, in the East-bound direction before joining Gipsy Patch Lane at Titan Road and continuing to Bristol Parkway.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Following the exciting news about Brabazon’s potential new town status, it is great to see the growing community better connected to the metrobus network. Putting in more transport options as we continueto build new homes is crucial, just like the new schools planned for this area.
“I know local residents have been eager for this route change. With the metrobus heading to Brabazon, and the opening of Bristol Brabazon station later this year, our new town is going to be well and truly on the map.”
Rebecca Arrowsmith, Operations Manager at the First Bus depot on Marlborough Street from where the m4 service operates, said: “This latest metrobus service builds on our solid partnership with the combined authority in helping to expand connectivity to new communities. Our team of drivers looks forward to welcoming customers on board to enjoy the high-quality journey experiencewe deliver.”
Colin Skellett, YTL UK Group CEO, said: High quality transport infrastructure is fundamental to successful new communities; it connects people to jobs, education and opportunities. Extending the metrobus service into Brabazon is another step towardsunlocking the full potential of this landmark new town, and gives residents real, sustainable travel choices from the outset, linking homes with workplaces, green spaces and the wider area, and setting the foundations for a low-carbon, well-connected destination.”
Councillor Chris Willmore, Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure at South Gloucestershire Council, said:“This route change marks a significant milestone for Brabazon and an early step towards the kind of well‑connected, newdestination for the region we are working together to deliver. Public transport has to come early, not as an afterthought, and the m4 extension shows how connectivity is being planned in partnership.
“As Brabazon develops, bus services, new rail connections and safe walking and cycling routes will form an integrated network, strengthening links to and from the surrounding area and helping people move around sustainably from day one.”
Claire Hazelgrove, MP for the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency, said:
“With hundreds of local people now living at Brabazon, and lots of reasons for others to stop by – from Mokoko Bakery to great coworking spaces in the Spitfire Hangar – getting from A-to-B will be even easier now that Brabazon is on the m4 metrobus route.
“As a regular bus user myself, I know how challenging it can sometimes be to travel across our community. I’m pleased that this route expansion will help, as will the new ‘Bristol Brabazon’ train station opening this autumn.”
“I’ve also raised our local transport needs directly with Transport Ministers and I met with the Chancellor to push for stronger public transport investment here. I was glad to then see our region being awarded £0.8bn for improving public transport.
“Brabazon and the surrounding area has rightly been recognised by our Labour Government as one of the places with the greatest potential in the country, having recently being shortlisted for becoming an official “new town”. This would bring an even biggerboost to the infrastructure we need locally, which I am pushing for as our MP.”
Once the new Aviva Arena is open and Brabazon is complete, the m4 will continue to the new Charlton Road, and then into Cribbs Causeway.
