The Decline in Local Bus Services Resolution to go to NFWI Annual Meeting 2019

A call against the decline in local bus services National Federation of Women’s Institutes Resolution Shortlist November 2018 A call against the decline in local bus services “Over the last decade there has been a massive decline in the number of bus services, particularly of those in rural and semi-rural areas. In order to alleviate loneliness, improve health and wellbeing, as well as promoting sustainable development, the NFWI calls on the Government and local authorities to increase subsidies and work in partnership with bus companies and community transport operators to enable an adequate provision of services”

Trends Bus use has been declining, mainly due to rising car ownership Bus usage held up better in non- metropolitan areas up until 2010

Trends continued Public sector spending cuts have led to reductions on rural bus servicers since 2010 There have been concerns about rural bus services for many years

Importance of Rural Bus Services Bus use is lower in rural areas, although significant numbers of bus journeys occur outside urban areas

Key Themes emerging from conversations People want to get “out and about” – they don’t want services coming to them.  Being able to get “out and about” is a sign of a healthy and well- balanced life. Reduce rural isolation.   

Key Themes emerging from conversations continued What transport is out there?  People are not always aware of what is already on their doorstep.  People want to know about all the transport options available to them.  

Key Themes emerging from conversations continued People want flexibility and choice.  People want to get to the larger supermarkets, leisure centres and cinemas. People like the “extra care” that some transport operators provide, and some people are willing to pay extra for this extra service.

Key Themes emerging from conversations continued  People are willing to share transport and share taxis.  Good neighbour schemes feel inundated from too many transport requests.

Key Themes emerging from conversations continued People want to make better use of vehicles. Some people thought that shops should promote bus services (to get customers to them). People want bus and train times to link up.

Key Themes emerging from conversations continued There is duplication of some journeys, particularly when transporting people going to hospital appointments. People want hospital and medical appointments to link with transport timings.

How the WI could work on this resolution At local and regional levels-members could raise awareness of the importance of local bus provision, especially in rural areas, and promote bus use as a sustainable form of transport. Nationally-the NFWI could work with organisations such as the Campaign for Better Transport and the Local Government Association to call on Government to provide more funding to local authorities for the provision of bus services.

Further information NFWI Public Affairs Department E: pa@nfwi.org.uk T: 020 7371 9300 https://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns Campaign for Better Transport: https://bettertransport.org.uk/buses-in-crisis-2018 Local Government Association: https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/lga-nearly-half-all-bus-routes-under-threat-because-funding-cuts-local-government Video: This video examines the case of the decline in local buses in Gloucestershire: https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/millions-miles-bus-services-been-1220461