Protect bus subsidies, new report urges
Families on the lowest incomes will be hit hardest if bus subsidies are scrapped, a new report warns.
The Passenger Transport Executive Group (pteg) has called on the government to maintain its support for buses through the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG), which is currently undergoing a review.
Its report shows how low income families in urban areas outside London are already struggling with bus fare rises of 95% since buses were deregulated in 1985.
In such areas buses are often the primary means of getting around for those on lower incomes; an anticipated rise of 10% in fares following the scrapping of the BSOG would disproportionately impact those families who already spend a higher proportion of their income on bus travel.
Pteg, which brings together England's six Passenger Transport Executives, found that the best value fares are often not accessible to lower income families who struggle to pay the upfront costs of yearly or monthly bus tickets.
The roll-out of Oyster style ticketing outside of London would ensure the cheapest fares are accessible to all, it said.
High transport costs can be a barrier to employment, the report said, and it called for the roll-out of Workwise, which offers free or discounted fares for those travelling to interviews and new jobs.
Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of the group of six integrated transport authorities, said: ‘For low income families outside London the bus is a ticket to opportunity - relied upon to access work, education and other vital services. Low income families have already struggled to keep pace with bus fares that have consistently risen faster than inflation.
‘If BSOG were to go, the situation would worsen with the inevitable fare increases hitting those who can afford it least. We must protect BSOG and look at other ways of making bus travel more affordable if we are to help ensure everyone has equal access to opportunity, particularly those on a low income.’
A coalition of public transport campaigners have warned that scrapping the BSOG could lead to ‘Beeching-style cuts’.
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