NBC bus report urges more cash
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A REPORT commissioned nine months ago by the National Bus Company to specify the minimum levels of service for public transport in rural communities has been published.
The report, undertaken by transport consultants, Peat, Marwick, Mitchell, states that for this operation an important aspect of any Government's transport policy must be the extent of financial support for future bus services.
Declining bus services have led both central and local government to provide financial support to operations to help maintain levels of service on social rather than commercial grounds.
It says that the commitment to subsidy has only been short term, and has caused uncertainty in forward planning by both the NBC and other operatcirs.
The initial investigation look into the attitudes of both operators, county councils and other organisations and authorities into the problems of rural transport.
It argues the necessity of a clearer definition of minimum acceptable transport needs in local areas and suggests that financial support should be provided in a consistent and equitable manner.
It suggests that authorities should show that support is being used to further the objectives of rural transport and that a greater understanding of the long and short term impact of service reductions on local communities should be achieved.
The report recognises that minimum requirements will have to vary from community to community because certain areas have priorities for shopping and others for work journeys and evening journeys.
It looks at sizes of communities needed to justify minimum services and suggests that minimum standards could prove a considerable value to local authorities for use as positive statements of policy intent.