Public transport shame as survey shows 10million people live in 'blackspots'

17 May 2023 , 20:10

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Large parts of the country are without adequate public transport links (Image: Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

Almost one in five people live in public transport “blackspots” where those without a car have to rely on at least two journeys by bus, train or tram to get to their local town centre.

More than half of those roughly 10 million people have to take three or more types of public transport, while many have to walk a mile to a stop or station.

Some 31% of motorists say they can’t get any­­where without a car, while 18% can’t travel to work.

Around 16% cannot find alternate ways to get to the doctor, the survey by insurer Prima found.

Many people have to take at least two journeys by bus, train or tram (Getty Images/Image Source)

Its UK country manager, Nick Ielpo, said: “While many want to reduce the amount they drive and use public transport more often, this is not a realistic option for millions.”

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Norman Baker, at Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Everyone should have access to good quality public transport, no matter where they live.”

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “Only this week we extended the £2 bus fare cap, investing £300million to protect bus services, taking total investment to more than £3.5billion since March 2020.”

Natasha Wynarczyk