The cost of concessionary bus travel in England could spiral out of control even if the government plugs the current funding gaps, new research published today has revealed.
pteg has welcomed a report from the House of Commons Transport Select Committee [1] which calls for locally accountable Integrated Transport Authorities to be given the job of monitoring bus punctuality and reliability.
According to a new analysis of the latest industry statistics by leading bus industry expert, Professor Peter White of the University of Westminster, making bus networks simple, frequent and stable every day and all day - could help trigger a revival in city region bus networks.
pteg has welcomed Government proposals to reform more than £400 million of bus subsidy payments.
The Bus Services Operators Grant (BSOG) is currently paid per litre of diesel burned. So the less fuel efficient the bus the higher the subsidy payment.
City region transport authorities today welcomed the news that the Government is to provide them with a special grant to cover the cost of the go-anywhere, free off-peak bus travel scheme for older and disabled people, which starts next April.
Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly's conference pledge to clamp down on the 'bus wars' that clog up city streets was welcomed today by city region transport authorities.
pteg has commissioned transport consultants Steer Davies Gleave to undertake the first phase of work on a new planning model for costing the options for improving city region bus networks.
Leaders of the biggest transport authorities outside London today welcomed the publication of Sir Michael Lyons' report into Local Government.
