Written question asked by Graham Stringer (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 May 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 May 2006. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Thursday, 25 May 2006 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Buses

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has undertaken into the effects of above-inflation increases in bus fares on socially excluded communities.

Answer: No research has been undertaken by the Department specifically on the effect of high bus fares on socially excluded communities. However, we know from other social exclusion research that the affordability of public transport can be an issue for these communities. Relevant reports include:"““Social Exclusion and the Provision & Availability of Public Transport”” (DTLR, 2000).““Social Exclusion and the Provision & Availability of Public Transport”” (DTLR, 2000).""““Making the Connections: Final Report on Transport and Social Exclusion”” (Social Exclusion Unit, 2003).““Making the Connections: Final Report on Transport and Social Exclusion”” (Social Exclusion Unit, 2003)."

Secondary information