Back in action!
Good afternoon
I hope this email finds you well. I haven't been in touch for a while - the pandemic has affected us all, and Campaign for Better Transport has been no exception. But I'm pleased to tell you that our furloughed team members are now back in action and we're all focused on ensuring that our transport system is built back better, fairer and more sustainable.
The effect of Covid-19 on transport has been seismic. Reduced passenger numbers have hit public transport operators hard, and the continued need for social distancing will impact on fare revenue for the foreseeable future. In the longer term, passenger demand could be affected by increased home-working, public mistrust in the safety of public transport and the expected economic downturn.
Happily, walking and cycling levels rocketed during the lockdown. But with traffic increasing on our roads - motor vehicle use has already grown to two thirds of pre-Covid levels - active travel may soon cease to be an attractive option for many.
Now more than ever, Government must step up measures to improve sustainable transport, not only to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, but to create jobs, tackle social exclusion and help the economy to recover.
But how can this be done, in the face of such adversity? We've been busy engaging with train and bus operators, government and local authorities, passenger bodies, technology companies and academics to produce a report packed with practical suggestions, Covid-19 Recovery: Renewing the transport system.
We found that while the challenge is vast, so is the opportunity. As our report makes clear, a chance exists now to transform our transport system as part of a green recovery programme, resulting in:
- A world-leading public transport system and improved connectivity
- 100% zero-emission road transport and railway with support for UK manufacturing
- Permanent improvements to sustain greater levels of walking and cycling
- Changes to the way transport is paid for, including new means to raise revenue
To find out how this can be achieved, you can read the report on our website.
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