AMA worried over public transport financing policies
Page 21
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
-L IS unrealistic to expect all xiblic transport authorities to ?liminate their deficit by .evenue alone during two rears, the Planning and rransportation Committee of he Association of Metrosalitan Authorities has told he Government. The Cornnittee believes that "such teflon would mean a too rapid eturn to self-balancing'. The call. to end the deficits – incurred by local iuthorities who staved off
fare increases on unremunerative routes — was made by the Government in a circular setting out implications of the Rate Support Grant Settlement for local authorities.
The Committee is also concerned about capital investment in public transport, and believes that, if fares are to rise to economic levels, then there is a need for a large increase in capital investment to make public transport more attractive.
"The necessary capital investment in public transport cannot be achieved simply by switching finance from road programmes or other highways spending," said chairman Councilor Ken Woolmer (West Yorks). "The real need is for much more money to be put into improving mobility for people and the commercial prosperity of all our regions," he added.