Broad coalition urges Boris Johnson to help high streets and avoid gridlock by restoring confidence in public transport

 
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With lockdown restrictions continuing to ease prime minister Boris Johnson has been urged to send a “loud and clear” message of support for public transport.

An unprecedented coalition of organisations representing shops, offices, restaurants, venues, public transport providers and trades unions has written to Johnson, asking him to encourage people back on to buses and trains as restrictions are lifted.

A failure to get people back on to public transport risks towns and cities where people are more reliant on buses, trams and trains being left behind, they warn.

Coordinated by sustainable transport charity Campaign for Better Transport, the letter has been endorsed by leading business, leisure and hospitality organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce, the British Retail Consortium, UK Hospitality and the CBI.

As England prepares to take the next step out of lockdown, it is vital that the government sends a loud and clear message that travelling by public transport is both safe and desirable

“As England prepares to take the next step out of lockdown, it is vital that the government sends a loud and clear message that travelling by public transport is both safe and desirable,” said Paul Tuohy, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport.

“Without this we risk slowing down the high street recovery as many people will simply stay away, or worse seeing towns and cities more reliant on public transport being left behind while car-heavy areas experience increased pollution and congestion.”

The letter calls on the government to aid a full revival of the retail, leisure and hospitality businesses by helping to restore people’s confidence in using public transport. It contains three requests (see below).

Matthew Fell, chief UK Policy director at the CBI, is among the signatories. “Public transport has a vital role to play as the UK begins to look beyond pandemic recovery and towards a greener tomorrow,” he said. “However, work is urgently needed to restore user confidence, alongside substantial investment in the technology and infrastructure needed to build a network fit for the future.”

We now need to see the government unquestionably championing a ‘back on board’ message for both bus and coach and ensuring neither is left behind in the social distancing review

The letter has also been endorsed by key transport bodies, including the Rail Delivery Group, the Confederation of Passenger Transport and the Urban Transport Group. CPT chief executive Graham Vidler said: “Buses have played a vital role during the pandemic in helping to keep people moving safely and will be equally important in the country’s recovery… We now need to see the government unquestionably championing a ‘back on board’ message for both bus and coach and ensuring neither is left behind in the social distancing review.”

What the letter asks for:

  • Send a visible message that buses and trains are safe to use when appropriate measures – like wearing a face covering – are followed, with ministers and others being seen to use public transport.
  • Take a balanced and pragmatic approach towards public transport in the ongoing review into social distancing, recognising the significant importance of buses, trains and trams to the economic recovery and air quality.
  • Make it simple and easy for people to choose and pay for their fare and know they are getting the best deal by reforming fares and ticket retailing across public transport to help passengers and businesses in the recovery.

 
This article appears alongside further coverage in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

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