Public Transport Travel Guide
Our guide to travelling to and within National Parks using public transport
Everyone should have access to wild and green spaces. We know that Protected Landscapes can do amazing things for people’s health and wellbeing, and everyone should have the right to experience these benefits.
Each Park has different specific transport challenges, but a shared characteristic of most National Parks is that they have relatively small and dispersed populations where people often travel long distances to access services and facilities.
Those without cars are often left isolated as local shops and services close and other transport options have declined, a situation that is exacerbated by reduced public funding for bus services. Where public transport is available, it is often infrequent or finishes early limiting the opportunities for access. The high cost of bus fares can also be a barrier.
With declines in funding it’s not surprising then that 93% of visitors to National Parks choose to travel by car. This has implications for everyone, both visitors and residents alike. Overall, the Parks have higher than average car ownership, but even in the whole of the UK over a quarter of households don’t own a car. This predominately affects the young and old who become isolated because they aren’t able to get around.
What are we doing?
We’re keen to see improved access to, from and within National Parks. That’s why we’re calling for more investment in public transport which will help people get to, from and around National Parks.. We also support National Park Societies in their work to ensure that National Park Management Plans and Local Plans develop sustainable transport initiatives and reduce the negative impacts of transport infrastructure.
We’ll be working hard to make sure:
- The needs of visitors and residents are taken into account in the planning of bus services to, from and around National Parks
- Local authorities are required to work with, and consult all neighbouring authorities, including National Park Authorities, when planning bus services. Some National Parks have a number of different local transport authorities in their area, making it even more important that all relevant authorities work together. For example, the Peak District is covered by six different local transport authorities.
