PUBLIC transport should be “free at the point of use for people of all ages” to combat poverty and social isolation, the bakers’ union moved at its annual conference today.

Scotland region delegate Chris McGill said the creation of a public transport service under democratic control would cut pollution, create hundreds of thousands of unionised jobs and improve the safety of women workers.

“If governments are serious about reducing car usage and traffic pollution, they need to make public transport financially and physically accessible, reliable, vastly expanded, integrated, and powered by green energy,” he said.

“Let’s end the profiteering and provide people a transport service, and one we can be proud of.”

Delegates at the meeting in Staffordshire also passed a motion calling for a MPs’ expenses cap of £866.32 — the cost of an annual local bus pass.

Wigan delegate Andy Moorhouse said: “It’s a statement from us that we are watching them.”