The original idea of Metrobus was that it's high frequency with traffic priority available, Redland has always struggled as an area to serve both because of the local roads and the percentage of bus users. Plus it has a rail service. Given the, reduced, levels of service recently I cant see it getting new services in the near future.
Redland had a bit of a better service a couple of years ago before they changed the 8 & 9 to become separate services and a reduction in frequency of the 9. There was also the 72 too when it ran via Whiteladies Road.
And if they reduce the frequency level then it's inevitable that less people will then use the services, and use alternate plans to travel. Like for example walk to either Whiteladies Road or Cheltenham Road and get buses from there instead. Or even just walk all the way.
There is also the fact that the 9 and 72 runs via such a long way round between Redland and Broadmead, rather than a more direct route. That puts a lot of people off using it. I got on an 8 once at about 8:15am to travel to the Centre. It took ages, about 45 minutes! Crazy! Never again have I used these services to travel towards town at that sort of time of morning.
Nope, unfortunately Redland has pretty poor transport links really compared to other areas of Bristol. And I agree, I can't see it getting any new services or frequency increases in the near future. One of the reasons why I'm trying to relocate away from Redland - I'd prefer to live somewhere that has better bus services.