Transport has not been high on the political agenda, however there has been a recent renewal to this debate especially in response to plans for a third runway at Heathrow and a high-speed train network. The next government will have key decisions to make to ensure that they meet demands for a faster, convenient and cheaper transport network.
Which parties will improve your travel to campus and who will help you get back home during breaks in your study? Here is what the main parties are planning to do when in office.
Conservatives
Support London Crossrail project but do not guarantee to match Labour’s funding plan; develop a North-South high speed rail line; block the third runway at Heathrow; break up BAA monopoly over airports in the South-East; expand the remit of the Office of Rail Regulation to focus on consumers; give passengers and train operators a stronger voice on Network Rail’s board; oppose road-pricing; introduce "Fair Fuel Stabiliser" to reduce fuel duty as oil prices rise and increase it as oil prices fall; require local authorities to show new speed cameras are justified for safety reasons.
Labour
Secured funding deal for London Crossrail project; propose a £30bn "Y-shaped" high-speed rail-line from London to Manchester and Leeds via Birmingham; support third runway for Heathrow on condition that air quality, noise and carbon emissions reductions are on track; £10bn rail expansion programme planned for 2009-14, including £5.5bn for Thameslink, £600m to improve stations at Birmingham New Street and Reading and £150m for 150 other stations; rule out road pricing before 2015; stagger 2010 increase in fuel duty, with 1p increase in in April, 1p in October; and 1p in January 2011.
Liberal Democrats
Set up a Future Transport Fund to improve the public transport system, paid for by charging for road freight on motorways; support Crossrail, but would prefer more private sector funding; committed in the long-term to a revenue-neutral road-user pricing scheme on motorways and trunk roads; invest in UK-wide high speed rail network; give local authorities more control over bus services; no new major road-building schemes "unless the benefits are clear"; require new office blocks and other places of employment to have proper facilities for cycling.
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NUS does not support or endorse any political party or candidate who are running on a wide range of issues. NUS does not take responsibility for the accuracy of information on this page. The information was obtained through the individual political parties websites.