Group blasts transport 'weak links'

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Rail passengers cited buses that do not connect with train times, insecure cycle parking and poorly-lit footpaths as barriers to using local train services.

The report, entitled Weakest Links, also found that only 29% of those polled thought bus timetables were clear and accurate.

And just 12% reckoned that bus timetables generally connected with the train timetable.

The survey also found 60% of respondents said that they would not feel safe leaving their bike at a train station; 62% said there was not a safe cycle route to the station; and only 36% felt that the paths to their station were safe, well-lit and free of obstacles.

Transport 2000 said the Government had taken steps in the right direction, with station Access for All funding and a commitment in the rail White Paper to introduce station travel plans and a task force to improve cycle provisions at stations. These decisions were welcome.

But Tara Melton of Transport 2000, said: "Rail passengers need real travel choices. All stations should have good bus links, decent footpaths and secure cycle parking and must be accessible to all.

"What our survey shows is that this clearly is not the case for many rural and urban stations, leaving many people with no choice but to drive to the station".

A DfT spokesperson said later: "The Government is working to constantly improve integration in the transport network. The rail white paper includes Transport 2000's idea of station travel plans which will help improve access to stations. They could include improved cycling access and facilities, better integration with bus services and improved parking facilities.

"We are also investing a further £150 million in a plan to refurbish and modernise 150 mid-sized stations. This is on top of the £370m already being invested in the Access for All station programme."