Unite has urged the government to spur growth in the transport sector by ensuring that every pound spent from the public coffer creates £4 worth of benefits to society.

The union unveiled the manifesto for growth at its sector conference in Brighton yesterday. Entitled Transport Matters, the plan demands a stronger commitment to building high-speed rail networks and a new airport to boost London's struggling aviation infrastructure.

It also calls for tough curbs on profiteering bus companies to end extortionate prices and the isolation of communities. So-called "quality contracts" would be rolled out, forcing bus companies to subsidise essential rural routes with the profits from popular services.