Election fever has gripped the country. Perhaps you can’t wait for it to be over. Regardless of your view, the outcome of this week’s contest will shape the future of not just policies for the coach and bus industry, but of the country for many years to come.
It’s been pitched as the election to solve the Brexit deadlock. Time will tell if that is the case.
Bus policies are prominent in manifestos
Public transport has been prominent in all the manifestos. As with Brexit, a wide range of bus policies have been put forward.
Specifically, the Conservatives want to introduce ‘Superbus’ networks with lower fares and higher frequencies. Labour positions bus as part of its nationalisation agenda, with franchising and more municipal operators.
The smaller parties also have a range of measures. They extend from billions of pounds to restore lost routes from the Lib Dems to introducing electric coach routes from the Green Party.
Why is bus so prominent? Partly it’s a need that is shared by all parties to show voters that they are engaged in day to day issues beyond Brexit. More fundamentally, there is welcome recognition of the role that bus must play in tackling the climate emergency.
Overwhelmingly, the transport policies being put forward largely fall into the category of incentives to use public transport. Very few policies are designed to cut private car use. Making bus travel more attractive sounds – and is – great. It is something the CPT very much supports.
But in a world where there is constant scrutiny of the levels of public spending, expensive carrots will not be in infinite supply. How long before any government needs to grapple with some sticks to go with the carrots?
Sticks required – not just carrots
Ensuring that cars form part of any new Clean Air Zone might be a place to start. An end to the long-term freeze on fuel duty may also be.
The next government will also need to look at how we design the new town and large-scale housing developments that will be needed to provide the homes that are being promised. Most of the 20th century saw towns and cities designed around the car. It’s time we designed them around the bus and other public transport modes.
CPT has put forward the priorities that it wants the next government to deliver for coach and bus. We will be working hard to ensure that the new Ministers and MPs are aware that these measures will help to encourage more people to use a coach or take the bus and allow operators to play their part in fighting the climate emergency and cleaning our air.
You can find out more at CPT’s election centre via www.movingforwardtogether.uk
