ROAD PASSENGER TRANSPORT: POLICIES PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

The article discusses the problem of framing road public transport policies, which, it is claimed, should be based on the operating experience of the industry. Although policies designed to develop public transport services while reducing dependence on private transport have been outlined in the past, further action in the form of producing a fully integrated plan has not been taken. In considering the objectives of a transport policy in all its aspects, it is thought important that local authorities should receive guidance while retaining the power to suit transport policy to local conditions. Current government policy at a time of short-term financial restriction is causing operators to impose service reductions to prevent financial collapse, so preventing long-term planning for the better use of national resources. While in forming any transport policy it is politically unrealistic to deny ownership of a car to any section of society, the use of private transport must be controlled to provide greater access and mobility to all sections of society. It is suggested that bus operators should pay greater attention to market research to improve the image of their 'product' by better public relations. The introduction of transport policies and programmes (tpps) for 1975-76 is seen as an advance in attitude towards policy making, allowing a greater co-ordination of public transport to meet the needs of different areas. /TRRL/