INSIDE TRACK
Buses are no longer seen as a community asset. Municipals engendered civic pride and company operators had local names going back decades, but the PLCs’ corporate identity is all-important today, destroying these local links.
Why do we subsidise travel for the rich more than the poor? In this topsy-turvy political world where funding for all projects will become more difficult, this needs careful thought.
As the United Kingdom has never had a national transport policy, not only is subsidy skewed between modes, but different regions have different policies. There has never been a national discussion about a rational allocation of resources across modes or regions.
The London Underground operates at break even or profitably, with most infrastructure capital coming from a government grant. London Buses will be subsidised to the tune of £85,000 per bus next year, despite cuts to the network.
Other cities’ urban bus networks are profitable, with some subsidy for evening, weekend and secondary services. Rail services receive a massive operating subsidy —on Northern Rail for over £4 per passenger trip — and pay no duty on diesel. All infrastructure is paid for by central government. The picture in…
