William Eichler 28 November 2023

Campaigners warn of ‘silent war’ on bus services

Campaigners warn of ‘silent war’ on bus services  image
Image: richardjohnson / Shutterstock.com.

Bus services outside of London have seen a dramatic decline over the past decade and a half, with provision decreasing by more than 60% in 80 local authority areas, new research reveals.

Researchers from the University of Leeds analysed every bus timetable in every neighbourhood across England and Wales since 2008.

They discovered that on average urban bus services have dropped by 48% and rural buses by 52%.

Commissioned by campaign group Friends of the Earth, the study found some regions have been hit harder than others, with services down 60% in the East Midlands, 57% in Wales and 52% in the North East.

The local authority areas of Hart, Fenland and Broxtowe have all seen a staggering decline in services of more than 80%.

Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth, said: ‘There has been a silent war on bus users for over a decade. This is not only disproportionately impacting those living on low incomes, people of colour and disabled people who are less likely to own a car, but also people who have had to give up their car as they’ve got older or due to poor health.

‘A bus renaissance is essential both for the millions of people who do not own a car in the UK and as part of a fair, green transition to a zero-carbon economy.

‘To reduce pollution and cut emissions, we need the Government to invest in our crumbling public transport system to make it far easier for people to use their car less and switch to greener ways to travel like buses, trains and cycling.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Strategic Director, Corporate Services

City of Bradford MDC
c£162,000 per annum, more for an exceptional candidate
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Human Resources

City of Bradford MDC
£119,466 - £131,207
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer)

North Kesteven District Council
£109,668 – £117,623
Create the conditions for long-term prosperity
Recuriter: North Kesteven District Council

Director of Libraries, Sport and Physical Activity & Communities

Glasgow Life
£102,894.01 - £116,854.38 per year
Our teams focus on making a real difference through culture and sport in Glasgow. Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recuriter: Glasgow Life
Linkedin Banner