“The additional money announced today for green buses and for the Better Bus Areas fund is very welcome. However, bus services are still being cut across the country as central government and local councils make funding cuts. The Department for Transport has found an extra £31m, but this is barely half of what is needed just to properly fund the free bus pass scheme for older people, let alone make up for the 20 per cent cut to the Bus Service Operators Grant. We need long-term sustainable funding for buses, rather than just doling out the spare change left over in Department for Transport budgets at the end of the year.”
 
 
Notes to Editors
 
1. The Bus Service Operators Grant is the only dedicated funding that goes direct to support all bus services.

2. The Association of Transport Coordinating Officers estimates that  the concessionary fares scheme is underfunded by over £60m [1] for just the shire counties.

3. Campaign for Better Transport [2] is the UK's leading authority on sustainable transport. We champion transport solutions that improve people's lives and reduce environmental damage. Our campaigns push innovative, practical policies at local and national levels. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).