MPs recommend providing free bus travel for under-22s in England to enhance access to work and training. A report by the Commons transport committee highlights a 20% decline in passenger numbers since 2009 and a significant reduction in bus routes. The committee suggests that improving bus access is necessary, especially in rural areas suffering from transport deserts. Recommendations include setting minimum service levels, rural transport funding, and developing a national bus policy for a cohesive transit network.
Under-22s in England should be given free bus travel to improve access to work and training and encourage long-term public transport use, MPs have urged.
Passenger numbers in England have fallen by 20% since 2009, while the number of routes outside cities has dropped 18% since the Covid pandemic.
The report calls for minimum service levels across all local transport authority areas by the end of this parliament, backed by guaranteed long-term funding.
Committee members said ministers should use the measures to help address connectivity gaps, improve integration, and make journeys more affordable.
Collection
[
|
...
]