Chancellor pledges to ‘put the wheels back on’ by funding low emissions and on-demand services
The government has pledged £200 million to transform bus services in the Spending Review.
The funding is part of a £490m ‘cash increase’ promised for the UK’s transport network, announced by Chancellor Sajid Javid last week.
He said the funding will “put the wheels back on the Great British bus”.
Ultra-low, on-demand
Details so far are light, though Mr Javid added: “We’re funding ultra-low emissions buses and will trial new, on-demand services to respond to passenger needs in real time.”
The government’s website says the £490m “includes extra funding to make buses more environmentally friendly, rail track maintenance to ensure more reliable journeys, and continued support for development of major projects.”
‘Focus needed’
Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), says: “Bus operators have been investing hundreds of millions in creating the most environmentally friendly fleet the UK has ever had, and this funding will allow for further investment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality.
“We look forward to engaging on further trials for on-demand services, many of which are already taking place. These services have the potential to be part of the solution to innovative and sustainable transport models in less well-connected areas.
“However, to get more people onto buses we need to also tackle the issue of congestion and unpredictable journey times, which is the number one reason people do not take the bus. This requires a greater focus on putting bus first in local transport networks.”
The Campaign for Better Transport’s Chief Executive, Darren Shirley, says: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport system, connecting communities, getting people to and from work, and supporting the economy. The £200 million in funding announced by the Chancellor is much needed to restore and improve bus networks and set a path to zero emissions.”
