Tuesday 7 December 2010

Head of First Group supports congestion charging for Aberdeen

The Aberdeen Press and Journal reports that Tim O'Toole, the new chief executive of First Group says a congestion charge in Aberdeen would see improved bus services.  The local authority had considered and rejected the idea, although it would apparently generate £2.7 million (US$4.2 million) in net revenue per annum.  He believes it would be the single biggest move to improve service reliability.

Given Scotland's devolved government has abolished tolls on all roads as it prefers tax funded roads, it is unlikely to make much difference, but still it is important to have the point raised.  Clearly the key improvements for buses would be faster and more reliable operations with less congestion, and higher demand would allow for more services to be introduced (even without subsidies, as almost all bus services in Aberdeen are provided commercially).

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