In the week that the Government consults on its Sustainable Transport Strategy [1] and passes the Local Transport Act 2008 [2], CPRE [3] fears that rural transport is being forgotten. 

‘Transport poverty’ – spending over 10% of income on getting about – is highest in rural areas where alternatives to owning a car are most limited. Increasing numbers of rural bus services are under threat as the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant has not been keeping up with inflation let alone rising costs. [4]

CPRE’s Senior Transport Campaigner, Ralph Smyth, said:

‘People who live outside towns also need alternatives to owning private cars.  Few rural areas have seen the sort of improvements to bus services, the roll out of car clubs and increase in cycle shops that are happening in urban areas. We need joined-up thinking and funding to deliver innovative and affordable solutions in rural areas.’

CPRE is calling for the creation of ‘Community Transport Trusts’ or Co-ops to roll out car clubs and cycle servicing to rural areas as well as offering community bus services.  Community transport could help people to get home after closing time in local pubs or local shops deliver bulky food items to those without a car. 

As the recession bites, new community transport services could be the glue that sticks vital shops and services and rural communities together.

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Delivering a Sustainable Transport System was released for consultation on 25 November and sets out transport priorities for the next generation.  At the same time funding of over £1billion was announced.  While the priorities included ‘urban packages’ and the funding includes major infrastructure, there was nothing specifically for rural areas.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/dasts

2. The Act received Royal Assent on the evening of Wednesday 26 November.  Coverage has focused on powers to franchise buses in urban areas.  However the Act will have an impact on rural areas, by allowing drivers of community transport to be paid and Private Hire Vehicles to be used for bus services, e.g. services in the evening or to more remote areas that have fewer passengers.

3. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk

4. Allocations totalling £57 million in 2008-09 have been announced, together with provisional allocations totalling £58.5 million for 2009-10 and £60 million for 2010-11.  In 2007-8 the £55.6 million grant supported about 2,000 services on which some 38 million passenger journeys are made annually: DfT Annual Report 2008.