Charity calls for private jet ‘super tax’ to fund UK public transport

The Campaign for Better Transport (CfBT) is calling on the UK government to introduce a “super tax” on private jet travel, saying it could fund public transport projects across the country.

The charity claims the tax could raise £1.4 billion (US$1.59 billion) each year – equal to the annual maintenance costs for Network Rail, the public body that oversees rail infrastructure in the UK.

“Private jets are hugely damaging to the environment and are the preserve of the super-rich,” said Norman Baker, CfBT’s Director of External Affairs.

“We think it’s about time that these individuals started paying for the damage their flights cause and the proceeds used to help improve public transpor...