More using trains and buses as credit crunch bites

22 October 2008

The credit crunch and climate change are beginning to persuade drivers out of their cars, but they have to believe they will not be let down, says one of Britain’s leading public transport providers.

Sir Moir Lockhead, chief executive of First Group, which runs bus and train companies across the country, said: ‘We have got research now which is telling us that people are generally starting to choose whether they get in their car and fill up the tank at twice the price that it was a couple of years ago, or whether they choose public transport.

‘For many journeys, they are choosing public transport, and buses and trains are seeing the benefit of that.’

Sir Moir was speaking in the House of Commons at a lobbying event organised by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, attended by new transport secretary, Geoff Hoon, and MPs and Lords of all parties.

He praised the bid for £2.7bn of public transport improvements, which is dependent on a Yes vote in a referendum on congestion charging in December. ‘There is a leadership quality coming out of Greater Manchester that we are not seeing in the rest of the country,’ he said.

‘I think there’s a real drive to ensure that the economy of Manchester, looking ahead, continues to thrive – and public transport is fundamental to that.’

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login