Placing focus on buses is easiest ‘quick win’, says Prof David Begg, but external support is needed
A new report from Greener Journeys authored by Professor David Begg shows that bus travel is the most cost-effective solution to improving air quality and should be at the heart of the government’s clean air strategy.
Prof Begg says that there “is an optimistic and pessimistic scenario for the future health and prosperity of our cities resulting from the introduction of Clean Air Zones (CAZs),” and that the outcome depends on the framework set by the government and how CAZs are implemented.
In the pessimistic situation, where buses are viewed as part of the problem, the downward spiral of passenger numbers will continue, he says, and that retrofitting existing buses to meet Euro 6 limits is vital.
If Euro 6 is imposed in CAZs, and operator attempt to recover the cost of retrofits via the farebox, fares will increase by 40%, leading to a patronage drop of 20%, the report states.
It also says that the proposed diesel car scrappage scheme offers poor value for money and that funding Euro 6 compliance on older buses is 15 times more efficient.
“To ensure the success of CAZs in our cities, decisions at national and local level must be based on evidence, rather than political expediency,” says Prof Begg.
“That means including private cars in CAZs and much tougher action on diesel cars; ensuring the cleanest and most efficient bus operations across the country; and encouraging more use of public transport and other measures to tackle congestion.”
He also notes that improving air quality is not simply about upgrading and replacing vehicles; instead, congestion must also be tackled effectively to reduce pollution levels.
Read the report at bit.ly/2oE1DVe
