Bus services will struggle to survive the coronavirus crisis without emergency rescue funding, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
The LGA is concerned that some bus companies and services, which are vital in getting health and care staff and other key workers to the frontline during the outbreak, could collapse given that the number of passengers has fallen by 75% in some places due to most people now staying at home.
As such, the organisation said an emergency funding package from government for buses and council-run public transport will be crucial so they can play a role in helping the country through the weeks and months ahead.
Cllr David Renard, LGA transport spokesman, said: “We are urging the government to step in and provide emergency funding for bus services and council-run public transport, such as trams and light railway.
“Without this, some companies and vital services will struggle to survive during the current crisis.
“Local public transport is an absolutely vital part of the national effort to protect the country and get through these unprecedented times.
“Many key workers are relying on local buses, trams and light railway to get them to and from work, such as nurses needing to get to hospital or social care staff to look after the most vulnerable.
“It is essential that public transport services continue to run so staff can get to the frontline during this critical period and that they can play a vital role when we recover from this crisis.”
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