SUPPORT is needed from the Government to encourage people back onto buses and trains as lockdown eases, say regional transport chiefs.

Research carried out by West Yorkshire Combined Authority shows that despite measures taken by public transport operators to protect the safety of passengers – and staff – many people have concerns.

Twenty-seven per cent of regular public transport users said they would travel by car more in the coming weeks than before lockdown. And 29 per cent said they were “very concerned” about using public transport.

In other findings, 39 per cent of respondents said they were now walking and running more than prior to lockdown – and 35 per cent were cycling more.

Sixty-four per cent said they were likely to work from home more often in the future.

The combined authority said the survey – of 700 people – would help it determine how the coronavirus crisis is changing people’s working and travel patterns and assist with future planning.

The research will be repeated to track any shifts as lockdown continues to ease.

Councillor Kim Groves, chairman of the combined authority’s transport committee, said: “There are positive signs in this survey that people have been cycling and walking more during lockdown and in the coming weeks and months we will be encouraging them to do so for more work journeys and for leisure.

“People should have confidence that public transport is safe but it is clear that we need Government support to encourage people back onto rail and bus if we are to avoid a surge in car use, with congestion and lower air quality.

“We are spending over £6 million a month to maximise capacity on the bus network while maintaining social-distancing, but we need the Government to work with us on long-term funding to provide the capacity and reliability that will attract people back.”

Cllr Judith Blake, combined authority transport lead, said a reliable public transport network – that allowed for social distancing while offering the capacity and reliability needed – would be an essential part of West Yorkshire’s economic recovery. She added: “The survey underlines our warnings that transport authorities need long-term funding to meet the challenges.”