Jams charge will woo millions to buses

Date published: 03/01/2008

The deal designed to bring congestion charging could also see a staggering 29 million new bus passenger journeys in Greater Manchester, the operators claim.

The £3bn package of public transport improvements which road pricing would trigger would take 3.8m car journeys off the road, according to a new report by the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT).

It would mean a 12 per cent increase in bus travel, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 6,200 tons a year, say the bus companies.

The bus companies fear that councils will exercise their right under the new local transport bill to impose "quality contracts" to regulate fares and services and want to prove that "quality partnerships would be better."

The report claims that by increasing the frequency of buses, cutting journey times through reduced congestion, improving punctuality and reliability and improving passenger waiting areas will increase passengers in all the major urban areas outside London.

Simon Posner, CPT chief executive, said: "A successful, attractive and high quality bus service can have a measurable impact on an individual’s life.

"This report illustrates what can be achieved through successful partnerships between bus companies and local authorities.

"Punctual, reliable and frequent services continue to be passengers’ top priorities.

"The report identifies that as well as densely populated areas with lower than average car ownership, areas of high car ownership and increased levels of congestion have the most potential for greater bus use. There are fantastic opportunities for bus growth but what is clear is that there isn’t a one size fits all solution.

"There needs to be an understanding of each unique regional circumstance, careful planning and closer working between partners to deliver change."

Mark Threapleton, managing director of Stagecoach Manchester and chairman of the Greater Manchester Bus Operators Association, said: "We can take buses to a new level.

"Our key message is that congestion is getting worse and it is stifling economic growth."

And Andy Scholey, managing director of First Manchester said: "Bus services are being slowed down by congestion by two per cent a year. It may not sound much but it makes a huge difference over time."