Public Transport in the UK on the ‘Verge of Collapse’ as passenger numbers dramatically fall due to the Coronavirus

Coronavirus threatens the future of public transport, councils warn as in some parts of the country the number of people using buses has fallen by more than 75 per cent in a month.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said that bus services are at risk of collapse without emergency rescue funding. The LGA, which represents councils, says bus companies may not be able to survive the Covid-19 crisis because of falling passenger numbers.

In some parts of the country the number of people using buses has fallen by more than 75 per cent in a month. The LGA want to work with the government on an emergency funding package which it says is “vital” for getting healthcare, and other vital staff, to work over the coming months.

LGA transport spokesman Councillor David Renard says bus services are facing an unprecedented risk because of coronavirus.

Cllr Renard said: “Bus services and other transport services ceasing to exist will have a very long term damaging impact on the economy and on the climate and so this is a really important issue, we’re raising it with the government and we hope that there will be a suggested package to help us address it.

“Local public transport is an absolutely vital part of the national effort to protect the country and get through these unprecedented times.

“Many key workers are relying on local buses, trams and light railway to get them to and from work, such as nurses needing to get to a hospital or social care staff to look after the most vulnerable.”