Originally Posted by
jon1959
I think similar would be said in most towns and cities outside London.
In Sheffield the public transport system was the best in the country in the late 70s and early 80s under the Socialist Republic of South Yorkshire. After decades of privatisation, bus operators allowed to abandon or reduce less profitable routes and the impact of growing car numbers (linked to reduced bus services) and road damage, the service is the worst it has ever been. Rail links are also in a mess and worse than ever. From talking to friends and relatives in other cities in the Midlands and North of England, the picture is the same. Public transport in Cardiff and South Wales may well be poor and getting worse, but it is not unique in that.
Maybe some party will put low cost, efficient, integrated mass publicly owned transport systems into their next election manifesto? As an essential part of a low carbon, green energy and transport strategy? One that is a clear 'invest to save' and will reduce pollution, create jobs and make lives healthier and more enjoyable? Or would that involve upsetting the big donors, having a vision and growing a backbone?