The Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) has published a report calling for a ‘planned network’ of rural transport to replace the ‘patchwork of different forms and types’ that currently exists, according to regional paper, Shropshire Star, and website, Engineering and Technology.

In a headline grabbing-claim, the CBT believes that taxis should be used to provide public transport in rural communities without bus services and that better technology can facilitate this.

CBT chief executive, Darren Shirley, commented that ‘rural public transport is in crisis’ thanks to budget cuts and said that ‘things need to change’.

The report notes that bus journeys taken in rural areas of England fell by more than 30 per cent between 2011-12 and 2016-17 and Shirley argues that ‘the answer won’t always be subsidising a bus,’ as passengers will look for a more on-demand, tailored service.

Full articles:

→ Shropshire Star - Taxis should be used as public transport in rural areas, say campaigners

→ Engineering and Technology - Call for rural taxis to replace buses