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£101m boost for bus travel

 

Peter Woodman
Friday 23 March 2012 11:54 GMT
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Bus travel received a £101 million Government boost today.

A total of £31 million will go towards the introduction of 439 low-carbon buses, with £70 million being shared by 24 English local authorities to help improve services.

Announcing the package, Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said it would mean "a better deal for passengers".

The 439 new eco-friendly buses - 311 double-decker and 128 single-decker - will come into service from spring 2013.

The 24 authorities which are sharing the £70 million will be able to introduce various improvements, including:

:: Smarter multi-operator tickets;

:: Traffic lights that can help buses beat the queue;

:: Real time information;

:: Improvements to shelters and stops.

Nottingham, London and Manchester are among the areas that will benefit.

Mr Baker said: "This funding means a better deal for passengers and encourages more people to travel by bus.

"It updates and improves services and infrastructure, reduces congestion, gives quieter journeys and with the introduction of new carbon-friendly buses, reduces fuel costs and CO2 emissions, creating a greener network."

PA

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