Mark Whitehead 15 December 2017

Bus use falls to ‘lowest level in a decade’

The number of people using buses has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, according to the latest figures.

Official Government figures say there were 70 million fewer journeys in England in the year ending last March, a decrease of 1.5% over the previous year.

Council leaders say the decline is mainly because of local authorities being forced to reduce funding for services.

The Local Government Association (LGA) warns that the continued decline in bus passenger journeys could mean increased congestion and poorer air quality as well as leaving some people without transport.

It says bus services and routes will remain under threat unless councils are given the powers and funding to protect them.

Cllr Martin Tett, the LGA’s transport spokesman, said: 'It is hugely concerning to see such a steady decrease in bus journeys.

'Buses provide a vital service for our communities and a lifeline for our most vulnerable residents to go shopping, pick up medication, attend doctor appointments or socialise with friends.

'Councils know how important buses are for their residents and local economies and are desperate to protect them.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Activites Assistants (CASUAL)

Durham County Council
£24,404 (12.65 p.a. hour) - £25,183 (£13.05 p.a. hour)
This is an exciting opportunity for Casual Activities Assistants to join our Leisure and Sport Service.   Leisure Centres are
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pension Administration Officer

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 p.a. (Grade 3) Pay award pending
A vacancy has arisen within Pension Services for an Administration Officer to provide admin and data support to the pensions team and members of the L Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

County Attendance Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
We are seeking to recruit to the role of County Attendance Officer on a permanent basis to work predominately across the North or the South of the county. The team works across the whole of Oxfordshire so flexibility to work in other areas is also require County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Software Engineer Starter

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914
We're looking for an exceptional human to join our digital team to learn the skills and put them into practice, designing, developing and maintaining websites, mobile apps & AI. You'll join us on our journey as we create better end-to-end services for our Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Executive Director - Growth, Enterprise and Environment

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
£139,111.00 (pay award pending)
This is a chance to make a significant difference to the lives of families across our borough – and to seriously improve your quality of life. Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, TS10 1RT
Recuriter: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Linkedin Banner