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Craig Hall

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Any one for free public transport

In the UK we spend £6 billion on subsidies to the train and bus companies. If we add 1p on income tax we could raise a further £5 billion giving us a grand total of £11 billion a year to spend on infrastructure and transport and provide free public transport.
Not only would we create real jobs and growth, but it would eleviate congestion leading to cleaner air. Reduce road traffic accidents, increase disposable income to the poorest, after all we are being taxed to get to work and back. Can you imagine coal mine workers being charged to travel down the mine shafts.
It would also increase the chances of reducing our carbon emissions, it's a win win.

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    Kate Blake 50+

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    Feb 20 2013: As a public transport freak I would urge everyone to ditch their guzzling vehicles and take a train or bus whenever possible. If its free then all the better.

    Sadly in Australia our public transport system is not so good, so when I really need to travel I take relocation vans. Rent a van for $1 per day, you have a bed, cooking facilities and a reasonable way to get to those out of the way places here and in NZ! US and Canada! Try it ....
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      Allan Macdougall 50+

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      Feb 20 2013: It's baffling why people still continue to drive gas-guzzling monsters in spite of the expense.

      In UK I think that's driven more by aspirational social status rather than actual, and the willingness of individuals to get into massive debt to achieve such pretentiousness.

      If that kind of prevalent attitude is driving how one gets from A to B, then I guess the lowly image of public transport doesn't stand a chance here, no matter how much it's subsidised. Yet in other European cities it's seen as cool to hop on to public transport or to cycle.

      Can you describe more about relocation vans? It sounds interesting.
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        Xavier Belvemont 30+

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        Feb 20 2013: '" It's baffling why people still continue to drive gas-guzzling monsters in spite of the expense."

        Hell, it doesn't even have to be gass guzzling.
        My insurance for even the cheapest, low powered car (Licence acquired mid last year, no accidents or claims) costs me no less than £1,600 a year in insurance, £120 in road tax and 0.17p a mile.

        Just driving 20 miles a week would cost me nearly £40 without even considering the congestion charges, parking costs, MOT's and repairs..
        Drivings becoming financially impossible here and even worse --Public transport costs aren't actually that far behind for the same distance..
        Looks like I'll have to buy a tiny wagon and collect a whole bunch of cats to pull it..
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      Gail . 50+

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      Feb 20 2013: Wow! $1 per day? Amazing. (and wise)

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