This letter forms a response on behalf of the Go-Ahead Group plc, to your request for a written submission to the inquiry ("Walking in Towns and Cities") to be undertaken by the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee of the House of Commons.

  Unfortunately we did not have the Terms of Reference to hand therefore our response is limited to general observations and comments regarding the subject of walking in towns and cities, and does not refer to any specific questions which may have been listed in the Terms of Reference.

  Our obvious interest is in maintaining a suitable level of vehicle access to city centres and integrating our services with other forms of transport, in turn providing our customers the opportunity of convenient access to local bus services. The "bus" should not be viewed as a harmful and intrusive aspect of urban life. Go-Ahead has consistently challenged this misnomer and has taken the lead in developing low emission, low-floor technology to the benefit of passengers and pedestrians, details of which can be supplied if required.

  As public transport operators, walking and social inclusion are pertinent issues to us. Aside from our interest in improving and maintaining access to city centres for all members of the community, the issue of walking needs to be addressed by a wider audience with a greater perspective. Although unable to comment much more at this time, we feel that we have an important role to play in developing such a strategy, and would be more than willing to assist with any developments that may arise from the inquiry.

Christopher D Martin
(Group Projects Manager)

Stephen Weldon
(Group Communications Manager)

January 2001