Boom in public transport to beat soaring fuel costs

The rising cost of petrol has led to the majority of people planning to go by Tube, bus or train in an effort to cut travelling expenses.

The YouGov poll, commissioned by National Express, shows that 60 per cent of people who drive or use a car are considering using public transport.

The survey of 2,000 people showed that a similar proportion admit that the surge in fuel prices has affected how much they are using cars, while only 21 per cent claim it has had no effect.

One in five of Londoners said the price of fuel affected how often they used the car, with just one per cent saying they were unaffected by rising fuel costs. The figure is mirrored across the country, with 61 per cent of those asked who drive a car saying they would consider using public transport.

Sixty-five per cent of women said they would consider using public transport to save money, compared to 57 per cent of men.

The poll also shows that the impact of the sharp rise in pump prices is universal-with the majority of people of every age and from every part of Britain admitting that the squeeze has prompted them to leave the car at home and consider using public transport.

Richard Bowker, group chief executive of National Express, said: "The public transport industry is seeing clear evidence that due to the rapid increase in petrol prices, people are changing the way they travel in Britain.

"Public transport offers a faster, safer, more comfortable and greener alternative to cars. The investments made by public transport companies in recent years have transformed our service to customers."

He added: "No one at National Express is pleased with the recent increase in fuel prices, which has put so much pressure on family budgets. Our industry has a unique opportunity to rise to the challenge."

OIL PRICE COULD PUSH UP CAB FARES

THE cost of black cab journeys could increase by 50p if oil prices continue to rise.

If the price of diesel reaches 154p per litre before February next year drivers will be allowed to add a 50p surcharge each trip.

Transport for London said fuel prices had shot up 27 per cent since the tariffs for 2008 were fixed in April and the move would help cab drivers.

The taxi industry, businesses and groups representing passengers had been consulted, TfL said.

Jeroen Weimar, chief operating officer of TfL's Surface Transport, said: "We recognise the burden that fuel price increases have had on taxi drivers this year.

"Fuel makes up about 10 per cent of the costs of running a taxi and unlike many other trades, taxi drivers cannot put prices up to reflect increased costs.

"Passengers can rest assured, however, that any increase in fares as a result of this decision will be taken into account when TfL sets taxi tariffs in April 2009."

A fare review is due next April if oil price rises are not reflected at the pumps.