A new TUC (Trade Union Congress) report published outlines an investment plan for public transport across England and Wales to meet net zero targets, improve quality of life, and boost the UK economy. 

The TUC says that the plan fills a gaping hole in the government’s recently published net-zero strategy, which failed to explain how it will achieve the ‘modal shift’ away from car that the Committee on Climate Change says is necessary.

The investment plan published today – produced for the TUC by Transport for Quality of Life – is designed to meet the UK’s target to cut emissions by 68% by 2030 (from 1990 levels).

The transition to electric cars is vital, but not sufficient. The UK Climate Change Committee warns that: “Electric vehicles must not be the sole focus, with action also needed on demand and a modal shift.”

To reach the 2030 emissions target, a reduction in total car mileage of at least 20% is needed.

The plan would require an average of £9.9 billion in annual capital expenditure up to 2035. And the additional operating costs for expanded bus, tram and rail services would reach £18.8bn annually by 2030.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

"Everyone knows that we have to cut carbon emissions – and that switching to public transport is a big part of how do it.

"Investing in public transport will help us meet net zero targets and reduce the threat of catastrophic climate change. And it creates jobs throughout England and Wales, boosts the economy in every community, and improves everyone’s quality of life.

“With this report, we’ve done the work that Conservative ministers should have done with their empty and incompetent net zero strategy.”