We have many difficulties ahead this winter so it’s unfortunate to see that Reading is facing major cuts to our bus service at a time when better public transport is needed (https://www.reading-buses.co.uk/changes-fares-and-timetables).
But does it have to be like this? Why are the services we depend on so poorly funded? Greens think well-funded public transport is essential.
Boris Johnson and the bus. There’s a lot going on there…
Boris Johnson has a thing about buses. He killed off the bendy bus in London (spoiler… it was rubbish). He told a big lie down the side of one during his Brexit leave campaign. He’s even got one named after him – the new Routemaster. Transport for London are considering taking these out of service much earlier than planned, so fittingly the ‘Boris Bus’ looks likely to be another expensive failure.
You might not know that Johnson also promised a ‘bus revolution’. You’ve probably guessed how this is turning out. Local authorities requested a budget of £10bn to deliver on the ambitious plan – the Tories promised £3bn, then delivered £1.2bn. It was underfunded, badly conceived, and carried out with the Tories’ typical disdain for our essential services.
Greens think well-funded joined up public transport is essential
Green councillors take public transport very seriously.
Getting cars off our streets is imperative if we’re to meet carbon reduction goals and improve Reading’s poor air quality. Everyone benefits from good public transport, and we need huge investment in an expanded, high-frequency bus service across the UK. It won’t turn a huge profit, but it’s the cost of a properly functioning society.
It’s time to think differently and vote differently
We’ve lived under 12 years of the most callous, incompetent government we’ve ever had and our essential services are collapsing. Meanwhile, the Labour leader prevents his colleagues from openly supporting strikes!
If we are to navigate the challenges of the next few years, we need effective Green policies led by Green politicians. Get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner.
https://reading.greenparty.org.uk/get-involved/ or 07985 923 938
By Green councillor Rob White
Leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council