Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Deferred
Develop a clear and consistent approach to integrate active travel with public transport.
Recommendation
DfT has not ensured that active travel schemes are sufficiently joined-up with wider transport infrastructure, for example enabling people to safely walk to bus stops or take their bike on the bus or train. DfT recognises the importance of integrating active travel with other forms of transport but has not yet taken the steps needed to create a joined-up transport network. We are concerned that a lack of available or secure bike parking, or safe paths, may discourage people from Active travel in England 7 cycling or walking part of a journey. DfT claims that it has prioritised building cycle lanes and infrastructure that segregated cyclists from other road traffic instead of integrating active travel with other transport modes, for example enabling bikes to be taken on buses or trains. ATE expects the bulk of progress in achieving DfT’s active travel objectives to be delivered by increased walking, particularly people walking part of their journey before talking another form of transport. Buses and trams increase the number of walking trips taken because people often walk the first part of their journey to reach a bus or tram stop. Investment in public transport —such as buses, trams and trains—must go hand-in-hand with investment in active travel to allow people to access them and encourage people to walk to stations and bus or tram stops. ATE is working with local authorities to build their planning capability to ensure that active travel is fully integrated into their local plans. It is essential for DfT to ensure that wider transport schemes properly integrate active travel into the public transport network. Recommendation 5a: DfT and Active Travel England should, by April 2024, develop a clear and consistent approach for ensuring greater integration of active travel infrastructure with the public transport network. b) In its Treasury Minute response, DfT should set out how, and by when, it will increase the number of public transport stops that can be safely ac
Government Response Summary
The government states it is undertaking research into disabled bus users to inform future infrastructure, but primarily deflects responsibility to local authorities, who 'could use' Network North funding to improve access to public transport stops. It also highlights existing guidance for local authorities on planning safe walking routes to bus stops.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented The department is taking forward research to understand the experience of disabled bus and coach users, including aspects of bus stop and station design which enables their access and adds value to their journey. The department intends that this will, in the longer term, support the provision of improved roadside infrastructure. Local authorities could use local transport money from Network North to improve access to public transport stops, by, for example, creating more accessible footpaths on roads that currently only have grass verges. As set out in the Command Paper published on 23 October 2023, the funding will enable local authorities to “...improve connectivity in their areas...”. Network North also incorporates an additional £8.3 billion for highways maintenance and how this funding will be allocated was announced on 17 November 2023. This gives local authorities the opportunity to introduce dropped kerbs and tactile paving when resurfacing the road or footway, or to make the footway wider if circumstances allow. ATE will ensure that any new active travel routes to bus stops are designed and delivered effectively, and as part of its broader role with Network North funding as set out in paragraph 5.3. For all local authorities, guidance on Bus Service Improvement plans, last updated on 11 October 2021, makes clear that walking routes to bus stops should be planned and maintained with safety in mind.