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Public transport fare rises hitting the young the hardest, says study Public transport fare rises hitting the young the hardest, says study
(4 months later)
Young people are being systematically disadvantaged by government transport spending policies while concessions are ringfenced for older passengers, a report by claims.Young people are being systematically disadvantaged by government transport spending policies while concessions are ringfenced for older passengers, a report by claims.
Researchers found that as the 16-24 age group relies on bus travel more than any other, reductions in government grants have meant cuts in service provision and fewer discounted fares have significantly had an impact on the young.Researchers found that as the 16-24 age group relies on bus travel more than any other, reductions in government grants have meant cuts in service provision and fewer discounted fares have significantly had an impact on the young.
Fares increased by an average of 6.5% in the year to last June, more than double the rate of inflation. While many over-60s, including those still in work, benefit from free or discounted bus travel with support from central government, concessions for young people between 16 – 19 is discretionary, with only a third of local authorities outside London offering any such schemes.Fares increased by an average of 6.5% in the year to last June, more than double the rate of inflation. While many over-60s, including those still in work, benefit from free or discounted bus travel with support from central government, concessions for young people between 16 – 19 is discretionary, with only a third of local authorities outside London offering any such schemes.
Campaigners claim that Britain's 1 million "neets" – young people not in employment, education or training –are often unable to afford to seek work because of rising transport costs, with low-skilled jobs increasingly located in inaccessible, out-of-town spots. The report found that reduced government grants led 41% of authorities to cut bus routes last year.Campaigners claim that Britain's 1 million "neets" – young people not in employment, education or training –are often unable to afford to seek work because of rising transport costs, with low-skilled jobs increasingly located in inaccessible, out-of-town spots. The report found that reduced government grants led 41% of authorities to cut bus routes last year.
Stephen Joseph, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, which produced the report on behalf of the Intergenerational Foundation, said: "Our research found it is now more difficult for young people to access jobs and education than it was 15 years ago.Stephen Joseph, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, which produced the report on behalf of the Intergenerational Foundation, said: "Our research found it is now more difficult for young people to access jobs and education than it was 15 years ago.
"This is in no one's interests. Government needs to use the upcoming spending review to ensure young people aren't priced off public transport.""This is in no one's interests. Government needs to use the upcoming spending review to ensure young people aren't priced off public transport."
Angus Hanton of the Intergenerational Foundation said: "Increased bus fares are making travelling to work unaffordable for many young people. They are paying the price for excessive government spending on older generations."Angus Hanton of the Intergenerational Foundation said: "Increased bus fares are making travelling to work unaffordable for many young people. They are paying the price for excessive government spending on older generations."
Both charities called on the government to reverse the trend in next month's spending review by resisting further cuts to support for bus services – as well as urging a national, free concessionary travel scheme for young people.Both charities called on the government to reverse the trend in next month's spending review by resisting further cuts to support for bus services – as well as urging a national, free concessionary travel scheme for young people.
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