Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Accepted
Investment in public transport must be integrated with active travel for safe pedestrian access.
Recommendation
ATE expects the largest increases in rates of active travel participation will come from more people walking and wheeling, rather than cycling. It recognised that buses and trams can increase the number of walking trips taken..51 However, ATE told us that there had been “countless examples” of new bus or tram infrastructure being installed without pavements or crossings to enable people to access them safely on foot, including in new housing developments.52 To create a joined up transport network that enables sustainable and affordable journeys, 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.53 48 C&AG’s Report, para 1.2, Figure 1 49 Q32, Q33, C&AG’s Report, paras 1.4, 2.8 and Figure 9 50 Qq 32, 35 51 Q 33; C&AG’s Report, para 1.7 52 Q 33 53 C&AG’s Report, para 1.12, Q33, ATE0012 16 Active travel in England
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, outlining plans for research into disabled bus/coach user experience to improve roadside infrastructure. It noted Network North funding enables local authorities to improve access to public transport stops, and ATE will ensure new active travel routes to bus stops are effectively designed and delivered.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5.5 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 5.6 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. 5.7 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. 5.8 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. 5.9 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.