THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT THAT “doesn’t deliver“

PEOPLE HOLD NEGATIVE ATTITUDES TOWARDS TRAVELLING BY BUS, TRAIN AND METRO

EXPERTS have warned that public transport “doesn’t deliver” on people’s needs, as a new survey reveals many of us dislike taking the bus, train, and metro. The figures paint a dismal picture of public attitudes towards public transport, with just two-thirds of people saying they enjoy travelling by train (67%).

That rate is even lower for bus users (47%), and those who take the metro (45%).

The figures suggest that more needs to be done to make public transport a better experience for those who use it, with experts saying that“altered or withdrawn” services are contributing to negative attitudes.

The survey also revealed that, by comparison, 81% of car passengers had a favourable view of travelling.

That is slightly higher than the 73% of drivers who also had a favourable view of travelling by car.

Darren Shirley, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Many people are discouraged from using public transport because it doesn’t deliver for their needs.

“For example, bus services that are affordable, frequent and reliable can be a wonderful way to travel, but too often we see a different picture.

“Over 3,300 bus services have been altered or withdrawn, leaving communities with services that are not frequent enough or don’t run in the evenings or on Sundays.”

Despite - or perhaps because of - these negative attitudes, the government is investing more money than ever in the transport sector.

The £31.2 billion spent in 2017/18 is up from £28.9 billion the previous year and is the highest figure that modern records show when looked at in real terms.

It is worth noting though that transport sector expenditure includes money that goes to roads, railways, ports and aviation as well as public transport.

Despite all this, walking remains the most popular mode of transport for the British public.

More than eight in every 10 (84%) hold a positive view of taking themselves somewhere on their own two feet.

The news comes as the Department for Transport prioritises work on making walking and cycling the natural choice for the public by 2040.

At the time of the announcement, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “We are making cycling and walking more accessible to everyone because of the substantial health and environmental benefits - it will also be a boost for businesses because a fitter and healthier workforce is more productive.” Joe Irvin, chief executive of walking charity Living Streets, said: “Making it easier for people to walk their everyday journeys will improve our health, economy and social welfare.

“We now need to turn good intentions into practical progress and help government step up to the new ambitions.”