Bus Users blast Moore over deregulation
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• Following Transport Secretary John Moore's recent claim — slammed by the Association of Metropolitan Authorities — that bus deregulation is proving a suCcess (CM 23 May), the National Federation of Bus Users has also criticised Moore for painting too rosy a picture.
NFBU chairman Caroline Cahm says: "Whoever wins the election will have to turn immediate attention to the widespread problems reported by passengers. Some areas have a better service than before deregulation — but in many others services have been reduced, causing real hardship for some people."
Cahm lists problems with buses failing to run to time — or not turning up at all — higher fares where journeys involve a longer route or entail having to change buses, no comprehensive timetables and difficulties with ticketing where Cahm: Some areas better than before others services have been reduced. returns or bargain tickets are no longer available because operators refuse to accept each others tickets.
The NFBU also claims that bus wars in urban areas like Oxford is causing traffic congestion as buses run in convoys and dangerous practices on the road because of the frantic fight for passengers.
Cahm says: "Some coordination and regulation of bus services is essential. The next government must enhance the roles and resources of both local authorities and traffic commissioners so that the worst excesses of fierce and unprincipled competition can be avoided."