Buses replacing trains
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
BRITISH RAIL has been given the green light to substitute guaranteed bus services for some of its remoter loss-making rail services.
Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley gave British Rail the go ahead last week when he announced the Government's objectives for new chairman Bob Reid.
The approval for bus substitution comes after the Serpell Report called for such a policy earlier this year. The proposal was backed by British Rail and endorsed by the all-party Commons transport select committee.
In his letter to Mr Reid, Mr Rid ley said he wanted his early views "on the practicability of introducing some guaranteed and subsidised substitute bus services where they would be appropriate on local transport and value for money grounds".
Mr Ridley told Opposition transport spokesman Bob Hughes that the service had to be guaranteed if it was to replace a rail service. It was a worthwhile way of trying to improve transport facilities.