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Why is the Green Option so Expensive?

Stephen Joseph, Executive Director, Campaign for Better Transport February 2009

The Government has made two very bad transport decisions last month. It has allowed train fares to rise, and it has said 'yes' to a third runway at Heathrow Airport. These are big steps in the wrong direction, but I truly believe that if we all speak up we can turn things around.

Here's our chance: the Government has put together a plan called Delivering a Sustainable Transport System, and wants to know what people think of it. Personally I think the plan isn't good enough, because it says nothing about the price of transport. Right now, many people are driving and flying because train and bus tickets are so expensive. It's vital that the Government turns this around, for instance by taxing the fuel used for domestic flights and at the same time cutting rail fares. This could get rid of the supposed need to expand Heathrow and other airports.

Let's turn wishes into action

I'm genuinely hopeful that Heathrow expansion can still be stopped, and spiralling rail fares reversed. One of the reasons for my hopeful mood is the flood of responses to last month's e-bulletin, in which we asked you to share your 'Christmas wish' for transport. More than 100 people took the time to send us their thoughtful and inspiring wishes. People like Ash, who had this to say: "My wish is for rail and bus fares to be lowered. Public transport should be simple and one of the first options to take, rather than... cars and planes." If you could do with an injection of hope, you can read the wishes on the Campaign for Better Transport website (external link); and if they leave you feeling inspired, why not take action or support us?

One way you could help to make transport wishes come true is by volunteering with Campaign for Better Transport. We currently have two part-time volunteer posts available in our office; if you're interested, we'd love to hear from you.

Stephen Joseph will be speaking on this on 5th February at the TravelWatch NorthWest conference at the Guild Hall, Preston.