EMPLOYEES are being forced to rely on cars to get to work because bus and rail privatisation has left the public transport system too complicated and confusing, according to a new report.

The UK Round Table on Sustainable Development, set up by the Government in 1995, says in its 'Making Connections' report that potential passengers are being scared off by a system which offers little co-ordinated information and few linked services between operators.

The report confirms that for most business-users and many commuters there is no viable alternative to the car for the vast majority of their journeys. The panel found that deregulated transport companies saw more benefit in competition than co-operation and were often reluctant to offer linked timetables, synchronised services or through-ticketing. Instead, passengers are left facing a daunting range of transfers between buses and trains and would rather rely on their cars.

The report sets out nine recommendations for action to deal with the problems it identifies, including urging the Government to raise the profile of intermodel transport, ensure comprehensive information is available to passengers and take steps to encourage co-operation between operators. 'Making Connections' is available from the Secretariat, UK Round Table on Sustainable Development, Room P1/021, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3EB, until February 28, and from Portland House, Floor 23, Stag Place, London SW1E 5DF.