Copy These! 5 Big Local Ideas About Public Transport

Ride green and breathe clean.

Buses are the most commonly used form of public transport. The Better Buses Bill is currently making its way through Parliament and intends to give local authorities more control over bus services in their area. You can help too, by encouraging your council to provide more eco-friendly electric or hybrid buses that improve air quality locally and are cheaper to run than traditional diesel buses.

Connect people and places.

Community Rail Network is a growing movement of community groups across Britain working alongside train operators to help people get the most from their railways. There are over 100 ‘community stations’ where the local community has shaped the development and repurposing of station buildings and spaces, turning these stations into thriving community transport hubs. Hear from one in the latest episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast!

Step out of the driving seat.

Why not organise or join a ‘car-free day’ in your neighbourhood or town centre? These events are designed to give people a chance to experience public spaces without cars and with less air and noise pollution. Cars and vans are restricted from certain streets or areas for a set period of time only (usually a day) giving breathing space for walkers, cyclists and public transport. They are a great way of highlighting transit options and of celebrating more efficient ways to move through built-up urban areas. There’s even a Car Free Day each year – 22 September – when people all over the UK and around the world co-ordinate these fun events!

Read about a local initiative helping people in Norwich go car-free.

Grow roots on routes!

Adding greenery around stops not only makes them more attractive for people while waiting but it’s a great way for community groups to build greener spaces in urban areas. Energy Garden is one example of communities growing small gardens in and around London Overground stations, with over 100 groups across London engaged in the programme. People see the station in a fresh light and have a much greater sense of ownership in the place, while travellers consistently report in surveys the highest satisfaction scores at these greener stops.

Put the “great” into integrated!

The Department for Transport is working on its first ever Integrated Transport Strategy – aiming to join the dots between different modes and making travel smoother, simpler more accessible and more affordable. Whilst this national policy is not yet rolled out, big-thinking local authorities in some parts of the UK are already prioritising transport improvements, and (as is often the case) leading the way for the Westminster government. Listen to this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast to learn more about council climate action to get more people on the move without cars.

Turn to Public Transport is the latest focus in Carbon Copy’s 25 Big Local Actions in 2025 campaign. For more information about this and to discover a local action that’s right for you, visit our campaign landing page.