The government has announced that a proposed trial for free bus passes for individuals under 22 years old in England will not proceed, citing its current unaffordability.
Responding to this decision, Labour MP Ruth Cadbury, who chairs the Transport Committee, criticized the Department for Transport for "lacking in ambition." Cadbury highlighted the impact of poor connectivity on young people, affecting their access to jobs and education. The decision comes as the number of bus journeys in England has declined in recent years, with fares rising faster than inflation. While acknowledging a new law aimed at empowering local leaders in bus management as "positive and necessary," Cadbury stated it should not be the final measure.
Economically, research from KPMG indicates that bus passengers contribute £39.1 billion annually to local businesses. However, experts informed the Transport Committee that the bus sector's economic contribution decreased by approximately £8.9 billion between 2011 and 2023. The committee's report also noted that the deregulated nature of the bus sector can lead commercial operators to deprioritize less profitable routes, potentially leaving vulnerable communities without adequate service.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9drlgenjno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss