10th December 2023
Universal free transport
“A new statutory obligation to provide universal, equal, and affordable access to public transport should underpin any national transport strategy. Two of the UK government’s most important strategic objectives are addressing regional inequalities (‘levelling up’) and net zero.
“Achieving net zero requires phasing out fossil fuels – and replacing 30 million fossil fuel-powered cars and vans.
“But many parts of the UK depend on private car use. Without prior access to affordable and sustainable public transport, a rapid push to decarbonisation risks harming lives and livelihoods.
“People rely on transport to access shops, entertainment, and jobs.
“If the government is to meet its objectives, universal, UK-wide public transport access is essential.
“What is a universal public transport obligation?
“A universal public transport obligation would make it a statutory requirement for local government and transport authorities to make sustainable forms of public transport available and accessible to everyone everywhere in the UK. It would also set low costs for all users, extending fare caps already in effect in the Transport for London zone to the whole country.” (1)
See also https://www.smarttransport.org.uk/features/making-public-transport-free-or-accessible-to-all
The Green Tau 