Bus services cut disproportionately in deprived areas of England, study finds
Share:
Most deprived areas suffer ten-fold bigger reduction, which in turn exacerbates deprivation. People living in deprived areas of England have suffered disproportionately larger cuts to bus services, according research by a leading thinktank. The analysis by IPPR North found that cuts to services in England had been felt the most in “left-behind neighbourhoods”.
People living in the top 10% most deprived areas have suffered a ten-fold bigger reduction in the distance travelled by bus per person, compared with those living in the top 10% least deprived areas. “Bus cuts are harmful wherever they happen, but these disproportionate cuts to deprived areas are deeply concerning, not least because our own research into ‘left-behind neighbourhoods’ shows how poor transport connectivity exacerbates deprivation,” said Silviya Barrett from the Campaign for Better Transport. “Buses are vital to people up and down the country, but especially to those on low incomes, for getting to work and college, shops and services, and for combating loneliness.”.
Merseyside, Nottingham and Stoke-on-Trent were among the places ranking in the top 10 for the highest absolute loss in bus miles, out of 86 transport authorities. Among the least deprived areas, Buckinghamshire (excluding Milton Keynes) experienced an increase in bus miles between 2011 and 2023, as did West Berkshire.
