Campaigners Respond To Fall In Annual Bus Use

Campaign for Better Transport has responded to the publication by the Department for Transport of Annual Bus Statistics for England 2012 / 2013.

Martin Abrams, Public Transport Campaigner, Campaign for Better Transport, said:

"Today's figures show the dire consequences of government cuts to support for buses. Year on year, we are seeing higher fares and fewer services. This is a false economy, preventing people from taking up job opportunities and hitting the poorest in society with massive hikes in travel costs."

Campaign for Better Transport has called for action to support bus services. Martin Abrams said:

"Buses are the lifeblood of the UK economy yet the economic, social and environmental importance of buses is not being recognised by those in power. It is time for a new approach to be taken by Government and for them to harness and realise the massive potential of buses."

- Ends -

For further information please contact:

Andrew Allen
Campaign for Better Transport
T: 020 7566 6486 / 07984 773 468
E: andrew.allen@bettertransport.org.uk

Notes:

1. Annual Bus Statistics for England 2012 / 2013 are available on the Department for Transport website.

Key findings from the 2012/13 Annual Bus Statistics for England include:

- 1.4% reduction in the total number of passenger journeys in 2012/13, amounting to 70m fewer journeys
- 0.6% reduction in total mileage, with a decrease of 0.9% outside London. Mileage is now around 4% lower than the 2008/09.
- 4.7% annual increase in fares, with fares outside of rural areas up 5.7%
- Mileage on services financially supported by local authorities (20% of total services) has fallen by 8% this year, and 17% in the last two years

2. Campaign for Better Transport has supported the publication by Greener Journeys of Bus 2020: A manifesto for the next Parliament. The document sets out how to harness the potential of the bus through concrete, practical solutions that will generate growth, boost jobs and protect the environment.

3. Campaign for Better Transport carries out an annual survey of cuts to supported bus services. Most recent findings can be found on the CBT website.

4. In June, Campaign for Better Transport published No Entry: Transport barriers facing young people. A summary of the research is available on the CBT website.

5. Campaign for Better Transport is the UK's leading authority on sustainable transport. We champion transport solutions that improve people's lives and reduce environmental damage. Our campaigns push innovative, practical policies at local and national levels. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).