HC Deb 10 May 1993 vol 224 cc351-2W
Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the patronage elasticity of bus mileage.

Mr. Freeman

Available studies suggest that an elasticity of around 0.5 is typical. However, figures will vary widely between areas and according to the form the extra bus mileage takes; it might involve, for example, higher frequencies on existing routes or the introduction of new routes.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the bus patronage elasticity of changes in the level and in the rate of growth of car ownership.

Mr. Freeman

Available studies suggest that an aggregate elasticity of around —0.5 is typical. However, relationships in particular areas will differ according to individual circumstances and economic conditions. These overall relationships may not apply to short-term changes in car ownership.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the patronage elasticity of service frequency for buses and for trains.

Mr. Freeman

For buses, available studies suggest a central range of 0.4 to 0.6, but estimates vary from 0.16 to 1–0. Figures will vary widely depending on factors such as the frequency of the current service. Peak period demand is likely to be more responsive to a change in frequency than is off peak demand.

For trains, I understand that British Rail does not normally use a standard service elasticity figure. In forecasting demand, service frequencies are considered along with journey time and other attributes.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the price elasticity of bus fares.

Mr. Freeman

Available studies suggest that an elasticity of —0.3 is typical, with a range of perhaps 0.1 to —0.6. Figures will vary depending on factors such as the purpose of the journey, its length, and the extent to which alternative transport is available.