Two-thirds of public transport journeys are made by bus whilst 25% of households in the UK do not have access to a car.
Despite the vital role of buses in the day to day lives of millions of people, buses are facing cuts in both national and local funding which could lead to redundancies, significantly reduced services, higher prices and loss of concessionary fares.
The cuts could mean the pensioner who is dependent on the bus to meet with friends will be more isolated, the unemployed person will find it harder to attend an interview, a young person less able to take up an opportunity in education or work.
The RMT Parliamentary Group seminar will be discussing how we can set out a positive agenda for the bus industry. A number of campaigning organisations are attending and this is an important opportunity to widen the debate and to co-ordinate the fight to defend and improve bus services.
Speakers include,
Norman Baker MP, Bus Minister
Jonathan Bray, Director Passenger Transport Executive Group
Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT
Maria Eagle MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
Sue Edwards, Head of Consumer Policy, Citizens Advice
Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive Campaign for Better Transport
John McDonnell MP, Chair RMT Parliamentary Group
Chair: Alex Gordon, President, RMT
ENDS
Buses Matter: RMT Parliamentary Group Seminar, Tuesday 1st February 2011