A recent report by MPs has recommended that individuals under 22 years of age in England be provided with free bus passes to facilitate access to work and education. This initiative is proposed in response to a decline in bus journeys throughout England and a rise in fares that outpaces inflation, which can hinder opportunities for young people.
The Department for Transport has announced its investment of £1 billion to enhance the reliability and frequency of bus services across the country. The need for this recommendation follows a trend observed in Scotland, where free bus travel has been available to those aged five to 22 since January 2022.
According to the report, bus passenger journeys in England decreased from 4.6 billion in 2009 to 3.6 billion by 2024. Smaller towns and rural areas often lack sufficient bus services, which limits transport options. A 2019 study indicated that around 57% of jobseekers lived in areas where they could not reach employment centers within 45 minutes by bus, highlighting the impact of high fares on young people’s access to education and jobs.
Young residents, such as Alex Mustafa and Dylan Lewis-Creser, have voiced concerns about transportation costs impacting their ability to travel for education and employment. They believe that introducing free bus passes could alleviate financial burdens, particularly for those on low budgets.
The report also discusses the economic contribution of the bus sector, which has decreased significantly over the years. Concerns were raised about the deregulated nature of bus services, which can lead to less profitable routes being deprioritized, impacting vulnerable communities. The MPs proposed improvements to bus stops and services to enhance safety and accessibility, especially for older individuals who may feel uncomfortable waiting at bus stops.
With ongoing discussions regarding fare caps and funding, the Local Government Association calls for a more stable funding model for bus services to ensure their sustainability and improve patronage.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9877kg42wjo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss