Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, has described the
announcement that the government is planning to invest £170
million in improved bus services, as a ‘drop in the ocean’, full
of gimmicks and likely to lead to greatly increased fares in some
cases.
As part of the package the government has announced plans to make
all buses electric by 2025, funding to restore some bus routes
and the introduction of ‘uber style’ apps for buses in some
areas.
Since 2010 local government funding for bus services has declined
by around 40 per cent and as a consequence there has been a
similar decline in the number of bus routes in England.
Unite national officer for passenger transport Bobby Morton said:
“The money being pledged for the creation and the reinstatement
of bus routes is an absolute drop in the ocean, compared to what
has been cut from bus services.
“Unite would welcome any initiative to reduce emissions but an
announcement to make buses electric by 2025 is a unachievable
gimmick, as there has been no investment in the infrastructure
needed for recharging entire fleets of buses.
“Passengers need to be aware that while ‘uber style’ bus services
sound attractive, journeys will be very expensive and could
result in vulnerable customers being priced out of services or
unable to arrange journeys, creating increased problems of
isolation for many communities.
“Bus services are essential for the travelling public getting to
work, accessing shops and visiting friends and family, it is
vital that that there is proper long-term investment in bus
services and not one off publicity seeking stunts which simply
don’t address the needs of bus users.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
On demand
London buses will increase fares, risk safety and damage
services, warns Unite
