Bus service cuts are hitting poorer Brits and forcing them to give up jobs or college places, MPs claim
Figures show 3,088 routes have been cut or reduced since 2011
POORER BRITS are having to give up on dream jobs or college places because of a collapse in bus services – powerful MPs claim.
Theresa May was last night urged to come up with a national bus strategy after damning figures revealed 3,088 routes have been reduced or cut altogether since 2011.
Council funding for bus services has collapsed by 46 per cent in that time.
But Lilian Greenwood, Labour MP and Transport Select Committee chair, said there was “no real evidence” Government wanted to stop the decline.
She argued that getting more people back on the buses would help tackle congestion and climate change – but also provide a lifeline for households who cannot afford a motor, or to run two cars.
She told The Sun: “For so many people, particularly outside of London, they have don’t have any other option but to try and get a bus.
“Young people don’t drive, or some households cannot afford a second car. And the elderly may have bus passes, but no buses to catch.
“We have to go from seeing a bus as a positive choice – rather than something to fall back on.”
In a devastating report, the cross-party Transport Select Committee said the collapse in services was having a direct impact on journeys to work, education and social events.
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It said while three in four public transport journeys were by bus last year - the service was “uncoordinated and fragmented”.
And it called for ministers to set out clear ambitions for bus use and specific plans for how it will support councils and increase passenger numbers.
“The Government has long term plans in place for road and rail investment but funding of bus services is uncertain and requires reform.”
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