Sustainable transport charity Campaign for Better Transport has urged the UK government to promote public transport options as lockdown restrictions ease.
Its Way Forward campaign, launched outside the House of Lords, recommends the government actively encourages people to use buses, trains, coaches and trams, and even suggests it introduces an incentive scheme to help boost passenger numbers.
It called on continued emergency financial support for public transport services until passenger numbers have recovered and for a system to be put in place that makes it easier to pay for with contactless payments.
Furthermore, the campaign suggested a multi-modal ticket solution that can be used on buses and trains, as well as more affordable flexible tickets that fit new travel patterns.
Paul Tuohy, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “The events of the last year have made people less confident about using public transport, but as restrictions continue to ease, we all need to start getting back on board.
“That’s why we’ve launched this campaign to urge the government to reassure people that public transport is safe again and to introduce a national scheme of discounted fares to encourage people to use it.”
According to the campaign, as more workplaces, shops and businesses reopen in the coming months, it is crucial that people return to public transport to avoid increased congestion and air pollution, and help communities recover.
Tuohy added: “A public transport network shaped around passengers that provides the services people need, at a price they afford, as we adapt to new ways of working and living is crucial to rebuilding the economy and tackling climate change.
“By placing public transport at the heart of its transport policy the government can make sure we all have access to easy, convenient and affordable journeys no matter where we live.”
