PM’s £5bn bus and bike boost
On day he backs HS2, cash for cheaper bus fares (and yet more cycle lanes)
BORIS Johnson will attempt to take the sting out of the HS2 rail controversy today by announcing a £5billion package to improve bus services and cycle lanes.
The Cabinet will meet this morning to give the go-ahead to the troubled HS2 scheme, with the Prime Minister expected to make a formal announcement to MPs later.
The decision means that construction work on the controversial line linking London to Birmingham will finally begin in the next few weeks.
In a bid to head off criticism that the £100billion rail line will bring no benefit to many areas, Downing Street last night unveiled plans for a major boost to bus services in every region of the country.
Sources said the £5billion investment would lead to more services, cheaper and simpler fares and greener vehicles.
However, Mr Johnson will risk claims of a new war on the motorist with plans set to include hundreds of miles of roads being dug up to create segregated bus and cycle lanes.
He will also back proposals for dozens of ‘Mini-Holland’ schemes where vehicle use is restricted in towns and suburbs to encourage walking and cycling.
The package represents a massive rise in local transport spending, which currently totals about £2.7billion a year.
Mr Johnson is also expected to announce a series of road schemes such as ring roads and works to improve bottlenecks.
But attention will focus on the decision to give final approval to HS2, which has split the Conservative Party. raise eyebrows, given the PM’s
Ministers are expected to election pledge to improve infrastructure announce the immediate go-ahead to the North. for the London to Birmingham But sources pointed out even route. The northern route linking Greater Manchester’s Labour Birmingham to Manchester and mayor Andy Burnham is now urging Leeds will see a further review to ministers to prioritise a new try and nail down costs. line linking Liverpool to Manchester
HS2’s management will also be and Leeds ahead of the northern overhauled with new non-executive arm of HS2. directors appointed to get a grip on Many northern Tory MPs have costs, which have trebled. also complained HS2 will bring few
The decision to hold a further benefits to their constituents. Mr review of the northern section will Johnson last night said improving bus and cycle services would have a ‘truly transformative impact’.
He added: ‘Our daily journeys for work or leisure are about so much more than just getting from A to B – they are the key to accessing skilled jobs and opportunities, boosting businesses and unlocking economic growth for towns, cities and regions across this country.
‘That’s why improving connectivity
London, people can just turn up at a stop confident that a bus will arrive soon.
Mr Johnson will roll out the idea of ‘Mini Holland’ schemes with separated cycle lanes where some roads are shut to vehicles except for access.
A Government source acknowledged plans could prove unpopular with motorists, but said it was vital to boost public transport and cut emissions.
Full details will be unveiled in a National Bus Strategy later this year.