Bristol Airport has officially opened its new and improved Public Transport Interchange (PTI).
The interchange, which cost 60 million GBP and forms part of a 400 million GBP transformation programme at the Airport, aims to support more sustainable journeys and facilitate the provision of more frequent connections for passengers looking to travel to and from the Airport via bus and/or coach.
The interchange is expected to see around 250 public transport movements a day, and was opened by Councillor Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, Sadik Al-Hassan MP and Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport.
The Interchange is located on top of a new multi-storey car park with the capacity for up to 16 buses and/or coaches, an increase on the previous five spaces. Each dedicated service bay is fitted with a sheltered bus canopy, Silver Zone bus waiting area and live transport information screens.
Great Western Railway (GWR) customers are now able to add on Airport Flyer tickets when booking initial train travel.
The Airport’s main terminal forecourt can also now be accessed via a new covered bridge link.
Construction of the PTI was completed by civil engineering specialist, Griffiths, over the course of two years, during which time the programme provided 120 jobs on site and created more than 60 overall, as well as a number of apprenticeships and T Level placements from Weston College.
Dave Lees, Chief Executive, Bristol Airport, said:We’re delighted to open the Public Transport Interchange ahead of schedule and on budget transforming our customers’ experience during the busy summer holidays.
The Public Transport Interchange has provided vital skills and employment for local people and apprentices, and sourced regional suppliers, helping to boost the local economy. Engagement with local schools and charities has also been at the heart of the development.
And we’re delighted to announce that the A1 and A3 Flyer bus service will be completely electric from 2026. This is all part of our commitment to net zero operations, and by more than doubling the number of bus and coach bays this demonstrates we are committed to encouraging customers to use public transport where possible. The increase of passengers using the Flyer bus service, as well as 20% of staff is a step in the right direction.
Data from 2024 has shown that the A1 Flyer bus service carried more than 1 million passengers, with an additional 300,000 utilising the A3 Flyer service. Currently, the A1 flyer is operating 135 movements per-day, with a 44% increase over the course of the last year
Additional improvements installed as part of the programme include modernised facilities, an enlarged Drop Off and Pick-up zone at the top of the four-storey car park, new waiting areas & rest facilities, flight information, touch points for passenger assistance, live public transport screens and an expanded M&S store.
Taxis will now be able to drop off and collect from level four, with passenger parking provided for those with reduced mobility, as well as those using the Airport’s Meet and Greet service, on level two.
