§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps are being taken by his Department to promote public transport in and around traffic congested towns and cities; and if he will make a statement; [20737]
(2) what provisions are being made by his Department to improve the quality of public transport; and if he will make a statement. [20728]
§ Mr. NorrisThe Department's spending plans for 1996–97 provide extensive support for public transport. These plans include £1.6 billion for passenger rail services, nearly £1 billion for London Transport, some £79 million for local transport packages which focus on promotion of alternatives to the car and many of which include ambitious programmes of public transport priorities, and some £55 million for larger public transport schemes. Under my chairmanship, the bus working group, comprising representatives of bus operators, local authorities and bus users, has been considering ways to improve bus services. I announced on 8 January a number of practical steps to promote the use of the bus and a programme of further work, which is being actively pursued in co-operation with operators and local authorities. Finally, the Government are actively promoting the role of the private sector in the funding and operation of public transport, notably through rail privatisation, the aim of which is to improve the quality of rail services by giving the private sector the opportunity to bring about the further improvements to services that customers want.