Public transport key to fighting global warming

Taking the bus or train is second only to recycling as the most popular way to combat climate change, a YouGov study has found.

Around a third of those polled by YouGov said they’d consider using public transport more to help the environment, compared to 80% who said they’d be happy to recycling more.

One in five would be willing to cut back on overseas holidays, while a similar number (22%) would consider erecting a wind turbine on their home.

Worryingly, nearly one in twenty said they were not, and never have been, concerned about the environment.

“This poll makes clear that the public are increasingly viewing travelling by public transport as one of the most realistic ways they can do their bit to reduce our impact on the environment,” said Moir Lockhead, chief executive of First Group, who commissioned the poll.

“Many people are becoming more concerned about the environment and the majority of those have switched, or plan to switch, some of their journeys from car to bus, coach and train.”

Commenting on the poll, the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) called on the government to to improve Britain’s public transport facilities.

“The Government cannot afford to ignore the massive potential of buses and coaches to deliver huge savings in CO2 from the transport sector, help protect our environment and oil the wheels of our economy,” said Simon Posner, CPT chief executive.

“Government at all levels needs to act without delay to make the most of this opportunity.”