This publication is designed to bring together information about public transport systems in Great Britain. It aims to present data which have been collected from surveys of operators and public transport users, and aggregate it or summarise it so that it is easy to understand. Charts, graphics, and tables are used to illustrate the main trends and make comparisons between different modes. Its main sections cover: (1) trends in public transport from 1950 to 1997-98; (2) operator licensing, staff, and stock; (3) data from public transport users; (4) concessionary fare schemes; (5) assaults on public transport staff and passengers; (6) passenger injuries and fatalities; (7) significant events for British public transport; and (8) historical series of public transport statistics. The following main public transport features are evident. Buses are the dominant form of public transport for local journeys. Bus patronage is now fairly stable. Three large groups now provide a substantial proportion of local bus and coach services. The average Briton travels nearly 7000 miles per year, about 25% more than ten years ago. Most rail, underground, and tram services had increased ridership from 1997 to 1998. About 500,000 people were employed in transport and related industries in 1998. More taxi drivers are licensed each year.
Abstract