The fall in bus journeys revealed by this report highlights the urgent need for long-term investment in our country’s local bus networks.
Responding to a report by the Independent Transport Commission on changing travel behaviour in the bus market, Cllr David Renard, the Local Government Association’s transport spokesman, said:
“The fall in bus journeys revealed by this report highlights the urgent need for long-term investment in our country’s local bus networks.
“Local bus services play an absolutely vital role in connecting communities and are a lifeline to older and vulnerable residents who rely on buses on a daily basis. They are also important in tackling congestion, air quality and climate change.
“Plans for a national bus strategy are an important step. However, in the forthcoming Budget the Government needs to address the £700 million funding gap faced by councils in providing the concessionary fare scheme, which is severely impacting their ability to step in and prop up bus routes that are otherwise at risk of ending altogether.
“This would allow councils to make sure every community in all areas of the country is able to access a local bus service.”