Bus funding called for

In response to the Prime Minister’s statement on updated lockdown restrictions, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has said the bus industry will need funding to expand the network. The CPT’s call follows Boris Johnson’s urging for those who cannot work from home to return to work.

The CPT statement said: “Buses are central to the economic and social recovery of the country and will also be vital in maintaining the cleaner air and reduced congestion we have seen over the last few weeks.

“Bus operators will now be working with Government and local authorities on a joint strategy to provide a more comprehensive network that will allow people get back to work safely. To help deliver this it will be important that when travelling people follow instructions on the availability of seats and when buses are full.

“Reduced capacity combined with extensive home working will mean greatly reduced fare revenue and sustained investment from government being required to ensure the costs of an expanded network can be delivered until passenger numbers return to normal levels.

“This funding needs to be delivered quickly and be flexible to react to alternations in the bus network as social distancing measures are relaxed or tightened.”