Bus travel in England falls to its lowest level in a decade
BUS TRAVEL in England has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, down to 4.45bn passenger journeys, new figures show.
The Local Government Association voiced concern that the decline could lead to more road congestion and poorer air quality in communities, and called for more funding from central government.
The fall of 1.7 per cent means there were 75 million fewer journeys in the year to March, while outside London the figure was 1.1 per cent, said the LGA.
Martin Tett, the LGA’s transport spokesman, said it was “hugely concerning” to see such a steady decrease in bus journeys. He added: “Buses provide a vital service for our communities and a lifeline for our most vulnerable residents to go shopping, pick up medication, attend doctor appointments or socialise with friends. Councils know how important buses are for their residents and local economies and are desperate to protect them.
“It’s nearly impossible for councils to keep subsidising free travel while having to find billions of pounds worth of savings and protect other vital services like caring for the elderly, filling potholes and collecting bins.
“Faced with significant funding pressures, many across the country are being forced into taking difficult decisions to scale back services and review subsidised routes.”
Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, said: “This report comes as no surprise when we consider that since 2010, bus fares have increased by 9.2 per cent over the rate of inflation while at the same time bus funding has been cut by a third.”