Public bus investment still low by European standards – CPT

Public bus spending in England is lower than European levels, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has emphasised in response to a National Audit Office (NAO) report.

The comment comes in response to the NAO’s recent report that concludes that bus patronage is still below pre-Covid levels despite increased government funding.

“We do not recognise the description of an industry with weakening commercial viability” – Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport

Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “Bus operators work hand-in-hand with central and local government to deliver the nation’s bus network. There are many towns and cities across Britain where commercial operators have delivered growth by investing in new routes, zero-emission buses and more frequent services.

“With a level of public investment still low by European standards, passenger numbers outside London grew by 15% last year and 83% of customers said they were satisfied. We do not recognise the description of an industry with weakening commercial viability.

“Nevertheless, we agree with the National Audit Office’s findings that worsening traffic congestion, the Covid-19 pandemic and a decline in public funding have damaged growth in bus travel over a longer period.

“What’s crucial going forward is that public funding delivers the outcomes that matter to passengers. More buses to more destinations with quick, reliable journey times should be front and centre of investment plans. The Government must take steps to monitor delivery against those objectives nationwide.”