Policy Hub
On 9 December 2005, the National Audit Office and the Audit Commission published a joint report (Delivery chain analysis for bus services in England (HC 677 2005-2006)) which finds that the Department for Transport is likely to meet its target of achieving 12 per cent growth in bus and light rail use in England by 2010, but only because the number of bus journeys is increasing in London. Elsewhere, bus use is continuing to fall and the Department is unlikely to achieve its target of growth in every region by 2011.
The delivery chain inside London is fit for the purpose of achieving growth in passenger numbers. Growth in bus use in London, which by 2004-05 accounted for 44 per cent of all bus use in England. This significant growth in London is due to a combination of increased investment in bus services and strong and consistent commitment from the Mayor and Transport for London to introducing packages of measures that support growth and discourage car use. Some of these factors are equally valid outside London, as has been demonstrated in a few successful areas.
The report identifies the steps that can be taken by the government and local authorities to improve bus services and attract more people onto buses.
The full report can be viewed on the NAO website (pdf).