Buses are Britain’s most neglected form of transport and must be taken seriously if Britain is to avoid crises of carbon, congestion and capacity on its roads, campaigners warn today (Wednesday).
It comes after the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) calls for urgent solutions to the major strain placed by population growth on infrastructure such as housing and transport.
But attempts to resolve this ‘perfect storm’ of issues is being undermined by the failure of Government to recognise the impact of the bus in reducing congestion and emissions and addressing our major infrastructure challenges, according to Claire Haigh, CEO of sustainable transport group Greener Journeys.
Despite carrying more passengers than all other forms of public transport combined, bus remains the only major form of transport with no long-term investment strategy.
Speaking at the UK Transport Infrastructure Summit today, Mrs Haigh says this is a “serious omission” and a “shift in mindset is needed” if Government is to prevent Britain’s roads coming to a standstill and carbon emissions spiralling out of control.
“The NIC has been clear that none of the major challenges we face will be addressed by perpetuating the status quo,” she says.
“We need a shift in mindset and a long-term bus investment strategy. We have long-term investment strategies for road, rail, walking and cycling, but nothing for bus. This is a serious omission.
“A long-term bus investment strategy would be an excellent first step.”
A transition from car to bus use is crucial to meeting carbon reduction targets and tackling congestion, that are worsening as population growth increases.
Mrs Haigh comments come as new research by KPMG for Greener Journeys, also published today, demonstrates that planning and investment in local bus networks is key to unlocking the value of housing investment.
Find out more: www.greenerjourneys.com
