50m for rural public transport

THE Government is to invest an extra £50 million in transport for the countryside, Chancellor Gordon Brown announced in his budget speech this afternoon.

The new funding is designed to help those living in rural areas – many of whom cannot afford to run a private car.

The bulk of the new resources will be allocated to a bus-partnership fund to improve bus services. The Government recognises that traditional transport solutions are inappropriate for some very remote regions, said a spokesman.

The Chancellor has today also announced an increase in Bus Fuel Duty Rebate to reflect increases in diesel duty over the next twelve months. This protects bus operators from the increases in diesel, and will help ensure motorists have real alternatives to using their cars.