The train, the bus without the fuss

Transport Minister John Spellar today officially launched PLUSBUS, the first ever national joint ticketing scheme, which is being run by all major bus and train companies and developed by Journey Solutions.The scheme allows passengers to buy just one ticket to use on both trains and buses.At the launch at New Street Station, Birmingham, John Spellar said: "I am delighted to be here today to launch the PLUSBUS scheme. The travelling public will be able to purchase just one ticket to use trains and buses, making their journey smoother and encouraging them to use public transport. Train and bus operators are to be congratulated on this initiative, their commitment to its success is very pleasing."PLUSBUS is already operating in some of the UK’s most densely populated urban areas including Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Sunderland and Edinburgh. It will be progressively rolled out to every major town and city in Britain.The ticket can be bought as an add-on on to any rail journey that starts or finishes at participating stations and gives passengers access to the entire bus network for the day. To make it as easy as possible for travellers switching modes, PLUSBUS also requires rail stations in the scheme to display clear and comprehensive information about local bus services.Professor David Begg, the Chairman of the Commission for Integrated Transport said: "This is what we have all been waiting for. I commend our transport operators for all their hard work and hope that Government and travelling public alike will support this worthwhile venture. PLUSBUS could be the beginning of a long road that will eventually lead to an integrated transport system of which we can be proud."Claire Haigh, Project Director for Journey Solutions said: "Against a background of increasing congestion, the public transport operators are showing they have both the will and the potential to turn things around. By offering a door-to-door alternative to the car, I am confident PLUSBUS will lead to real modal shift."For further information please visit:www.plusbus.infowww.journeysolutions.com

Published 21st February 2003