Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Deferred
UK bus services perform poorly, demonstrating inadequate connectivity and significant economic costs.
Conclusion
Bus services in the UK perform poorly compared to those in other European countries. Fewer people can reach local city centres within 30 minutes than the European average. This poor connectivity costs the UK economy more than £23 billion per year according to Centre for Cities.16 We questioned the Department on bus connectivity in comparison with neighbouring countries and the Department acknowledged that it is harder for people to get into our city centres. The Department also said it is looking at European cities such as Dijon for good examples of integrated transport.17
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses sanitary and phytosanitary agreements with the EU and strengthening resilience to animal disease, completely unrelated to the recommendation on UK bus connectivity compared to Europe.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. requested by the Committee, noting that the negotiations for a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU, and timescales involved, will need to be integrated into development of this work. The department will examine strategic themes to determine how to strengthen long-term resilience to animal disease. The review will take account of other strategic interdependencies such as the livestock ID and traceability reforms, APHA’s systems reforms, upgrades to the National Biosecurity Centre, Veterinary Workforce and Vaccine Availability strategies and the UK Biological Security Strategy.