Focus of work
Transport for Quality of Life (TfQL) is a specialist consultancy that is working to create a more sustainable, equitable and cleaner transport system in the UK. In 2014, FIT and Unite joint-funded its not-for-profit sister company, TfQL Community Interest Company, to research and publish a report on bus governance in the UK. The report considers what a world-class bus system for Britain would look like and explores in detail why the present system of bus governance in Britain is failing to deliver.
Impact
The final report was very well received by the transport community, and is still being cited in papers and research on sustainable transport. It has been very influential in the campaign for bus franchising, with organisations citing the crucial evidence provided in the report when campaigning for better buses in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Liverpool; campaigns that have all seen success.
Cat Hobbs from We Own It, a campaigning organisation that acts as a voice for those who use public services, says: “This report is our main source for understanding what makes for a high-quality bus system, and for explaining why regulation of bus networks and public ownership are needed. It’s a really useful resource which shows what happens in other European countries that have a more integrated, well-planned approach. When we want to make the case for regulation and public ownership, this is the report we turn to. It shows how these policies can help authorities to deliver better buses and free up more money for investment, so that passengers get better services.”