Cuts to bus provision in England led to an estimated 1.1 billion extra miles driven by cars and taxis in 2023 alone, according to new research.
Analysis by IPPR North found that annual bus miles driven per person in England fell from 25 to 18 between 2011 and 2023.
The resultant rise in car miles was equivalent to driving around the earth’s circumference 44,000 times, causing an extra 292 million kg in greenhouse gases, the think-tank said.
Its research also found that the cuts to bus provision were 10 times higher in England’s most deprived than its least deprived areas, and that reduced bus services meant the economy became £2.6bn smaller with 39,000 fewer jobs.
Senior research fellow Maya Singer Hobbs said: ‘Transport isn’t working for people across the country, but the Bus Services Bill is a real opportunity to turn things around.
‘Franchising is already delivering better services for people in Greater Manchester, but it was an uphill battle to get there.
‘It’s time for the Government to get on board with better buses and support local leaders on this journey.’
