Member Article

Bid to revive declining local bus services

Nexus and the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority today set out the case for local control of local buses in a bid to attract more passengers back to the network.

On the 20th anniversary of bus deregulation, the bus operators say that action is needed if buses in Tyne and Wear are ever going to be a realistic alternative to the car. Figures from Nexus reveal that passenger numbers have fallen by 58.7% in 20 years and fares have increased by 40%.

Bernard Garner, the Director General of Nexus, said: “The bus is central to meeting the challenge of congestion and environment change. “Passengers are deserting the bus, and we need a change of direction if it is to be a realistic alternative to the car – as well as serving those who rely on public transport. And yet passenger numbers are up in London, where the network is planned by a local transport authority. The evidence is clear we need the constraints imposed on Nexus by current legislation lifted, allowing us to build new relationships with bus companies as the way forward for Tyne and Wear.”

He continued: “We are very hopeful the Government will untie our hands, and set out a legal framework that lets us build a new relationship in the interests of the passenger and the economy of the region.”

Nexus is proposing forming partnerships with private operators to achieve the best possible value for money for the taxpayer.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .