Eight out of 10 of UK drivers would use public transport more if it was better and nine out of 10 support government investment in improving the public transport network as an alternative to driving, research commissioned by Campaign for Better Transport has revealed.
The survey, carried out by Yonder Data Solutions last month, found that many drivers also regularly use public transport, walk and cycle, with nearly a quarter of all people identifying as ‘mixed’ transport users.
Norman Baker, director of external affairs at Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Divisive rhetoric that pits drivers against public transport users is a nonsense.
“Many drivers are public transport users too, and many more would like to be. And getting more people onto buses and trains helps those drivers still in their cars by reducing congestion.”
The survey also revealed that investing in public transport has almost universal support among the public, whether they are primarily drivers or use public transport:
- 90% of drivers and 91% of public transport passengers want to see a bigger rail network
- 97% of drivers and 98% of public transport passengers want cheaper rail fares
- 94% of drivers and 95% of public transport passengers want more and improved bus routes.
Baker added: “Our survey shows that cutting investment in public transport is out of step with public opinion. The vast majority of people want to see more investment in our public transport network, not less.
Last month the UK government published its Plan for Drivers, which seeks to prioritise driving over all other modes of transport and placed motoring as the default option for most journeys.
Weeks later it cancelled the Northern leg of High Speed 2, which would have taken the rail line north of Birmingham to Manchester, with only a third of the reallocated £36bn of HS2 investment specifically earmarked for public transport projects.
Innovations and achievements in public transport will be celebrated at the second annual CiTTi Awards on 21 November 2023 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table today!
