Regions using green buses resist falling trend of passengers, report finds

Greener Journey’s Any Journey is Greener By Bus has found that areas which have introduced cleaner vehicle technology and innovations have resisted the falling trend of passengers.

The report indicated that regions implementing low emission buses including Bristol, Reading, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire have seen a 19 per cent, 17 per cent and 15 per cent and 12 per cent increase in the number of bus users over the last six years.

Claire Haigh, chief executive of Greener Journeys, explained: “This new report clearly shows that investment in buses, and prioritisation of bus networks, can reap real rewards by increasing passenger numbers and taking more cars off the road, with all the economic, social and environmental benefits that brings.

“We would encourage councils and operators across the UK to look at the innovative services, measures for tackling congestion and clean bus technology detailed in this report as a model for raising usage and sparking their own bus renaissance.”

Cllr Martin Tett, Local Government Association transport spokesman, said: “While it is great news that more people in some areas are using buses, these cherished services remain under threat as councils continue facing severe budgetary pressures.”