Introduction of free bus travel for youth in England

• Free bus travel for young people up to 22 years old can improve access to employment.
• The reduction in the number of bus routes has particularly impacted youth in small towns.
• It is recommended to create a national policy to improve bus services.

The committee of deputies in the Parliament of Great Britain recommends introducing free bus travel for individuals up to 22 years old. This decision aims to improve young people's access to work and education in communities where transport services are limited.

According to the report, in England, there has been a recorded 20% decrease in the number of passengers since 2009, and since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of bus routes between cities has decreased by 18%. In many small towns, there is a noticeable deficit of transport services, which restricts youth access to employment opportunities.

The report highlights that the existing free bus travel program for people of pensionable age and individuals with disabilities should be expanded for youth. This would help to create sustainable community transport.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has already announced a "bus revolution" in England, which will allow local authorities to manage bus routes, as is already done in London and Manchester. However, the committee notes that this will not solve the problems of inequality in access to bus services in regions.

The committee also referred to the national policy regarding bus transport, which will establish minimum standards for service provision, including the actual time of bus arrivals at stops.

A DfT representative stated that the government will ensure funding for improving the reliability of bus services across the country to avoid fare increases until 2027.

Tags: Europe/Politics