Bus Transport
A GND would see the UK rapidly decarbonise to tackle the threat of climate change and create a more equal society. Road transport remains a key area for emissions reductions. In 2017, 21% of the UK’s domestic greenhouse gas emissions came from road transport, with a signifi cant component of this coming from passenger cars. The pollution produced by road transport also has knock-on impacts upon the health of local communities. A report published by the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants estimates that between 28,000 and 36,000 people die as a result of air pollution every year in the UK, and the savings associated with free bus travel would likely fall to the poorest households as they are more likely to rely on public transport. A Green New Deal would target road transport in order to increase accessibility of public transport by cutting the cost of fares, expanding routes and to reduce emission levels. This would reduce inequality at a regional and household level for working-class communities by providing affordable and luxurious public transport.