Campaign for Better Transport has used the occasion of the first World Sustainable Transport Day on 26 November to call on the government to prioritise public transport.
The United Nations initiative is being promoted globally to encourage more environmentally friendly modes of transport and follows an associated conference held today (Friday) in Geneva, Switzerland.
To mark the campaign, CBT has sent an open letter to Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper to effect change nationally and across borders.
In part, the letter asks the minister to “prioritise investment in public and shared transport, walking and cycling, over building new roads” and “make sustainable transport the affordable choice for travellers”.
It also says: “Sustainable transport is important to local communities. We need good buses and trains so we can all live full, connected lives. ”
In making the case today, CBT highlights its own research showing that 94 per cent of drivers and 95 per cent of public transport passengers want more and improved bus routes. It adds that its poll shows three out of four drivers would like to have more options to get around than relying on driving, and eight out of ten would use public transport more if it was better.
Paul Tuohy, CBT Chief Executive, says: “Our survey shows that cutting investment in public transport is not just bad for the planet, it is out of step with public opinion. The vast majority of people want to see more investment in our public transport network, not less, that’s why this World Sustainable Transport Day we are calling on the UK Government to help reduce transport’s negative impact on the planet and give more people the ability to travel sustainably.”
Bus Users UK has also backed the campaign, with its Director for England, Lydia Horbury, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter: “26th Nov is World Sustainable Transport Day – which aims to raise awareness about sustainable travel practices. Through using buses, we can reduce individual carbon footprints & contribute to a greener & more sustainable future.”
