Book Description

In 2000, as part of its ten-year transport strategy, the Government set a Public Service Agreement target (amended in 2002 and 2004) to increase bus and light rail usage by 12 per cent between 2000 and 2010, achieving growth in all English regions. This would help to reduce car use, congestion and vehicle emissions. Five years after the target was set, overall usage seems likely to reach the national target, but mainly because of the substantial increase in bus passenger numbers in London (up by over 30 per cent, due to the commitment of the Mayor and Transport for London, increased public subsidy, congestion charging and enhanced bus services). Usage in all other areas has declined. The Department for Transport and local authorities have limited leverage outside London to influence the commercial operators who provide 80 per cent of bus services in a deregulated market. The Committee wishes the Department to obtain data so it can measure the contribution made to reduce congestion and emissions, and to monitor the operation of the market and the extent to which monopolies may exist and may be affecting fare levels and passenger demand. It should use the full range of measures available to stimulate growth in demand, including the direction of subsidy. It should encourage local authorities and operators to co-operate to improve the network of bus services, their reliability and quality. The Transport Innovation Fund, providing funding for new schemes from 2008-09, may offer an opportunity to increase the use of public transport.