Chris Ames 25 October 2023

Demand responsive buses won't fill gap, CCN says

Demand responsive buses wont fill gap, CCN says image
Image: carouselbuses.co.uk

Three in four large rural councils in England are rolling out demand-responsive transport (DRT) bus services but councils have warned that they are not financially sustainable or a substitute for government bus service subsidies.

The County Councils Network (CCN) said its survey found that while many councils are using DRT services – a type of bus service that users can book – to fill the gap left by dwindling mainstream bus services, 95% of services operate at a loss.

Fewer than 20% of councils said DRT services are financially sustainable to operate in the future.

The CCN said bus services are at a ‘historic low’ in county and rural areas, with more than one in four bus services 'vanishing' over the past decade and 344 million fewer journeys in 2022 as a result of reduced services.

It said its survey showed hundreds of thousands of journeys taking place on DRT services each year across county areas but argued that these are not a substitute for new investment in commercial bus routes.

To continue reading this article visit Transport Network.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Adult Social Worker Mental Health

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Mental Health Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer)

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council
up to salary max £121,445 per annum
We are now seeking a Director of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer to play a pivotal role Hybrid / Kingston Upon Thames
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council

Principal Engineer - Adoptions

West Northamptonshire Council
£49,587 - £52,860
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Highways Engineer to join our Highways Development Management team at West Northamptonshire Council. This is a senior role leading on the assessment, negotiation, and delivery of highway works linked t Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Highway Operations

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 15 £63,002 - £69,103 per annum
As we begin to implement our new structure, we have an exciting leadership opportunity as the head of our new operations service. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Trainee Roadworker Driver

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 5 £25,185 - £25,583 per annum
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking all aspects of highways maintenance and improvement works Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner