Labour bus policy failing - Carmichael

5.29.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 23rd May 2006

10% decline in bus use since 2000 in the West Midlands

To coincide with the publication today of the Public Accounts Committee Report on bus services in England, the Liberal Democrats have released the results of research which demonstrates that, although many new services have been introduced since 1998, bus use outside London has actually been declining. The research shows:

Since 1998 there has been a net gain of more than 3,500 new bus services in England outside of London. However, the Western Traffic Area (which comprises most of South East England) has actually seen a fall of almost 1,000 services;

That despite a net gain of services there has been a decline in bus use in England outside London since 2000 by 7%;

That the highest declines in bus use since 2000, have taken place in the North East (down 13%) and the West Midlands (down 10%)

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Alistair Carmichael MP, said "Labour has comprehensively failed to meet its targets for increased bus use. The Government's approach has actually led to fewer passengers getting on board.

"However, bus use in many Liberal Democrat controlled areas, such as York and Cambridge are experiencing growth through effective partnerships with bus operators.

"If Douglas Alexander genuinely wishes to see more people getting out of their cars and on to buses, he must give local areas much greater flexibility and freedom over local services."