Transport User Voice September 2024 – All aboard!

04 September 2024

Catch the Bus Month

What makes you want to hop on the bus?  

This September marks Catch the Bus Month, the annual celebration of the humble four-wheeler, with fares deals, special giveaways, and giant red hand-waving planned at events across England, Scotland and Wales.  

Organisers Bus Users UK say, “Let’s give these congestion busting, people connecting, economy boosting lifelines the recognition they deserve!’’ Some of the promotions include free travel in Perth and Kinross, and complimentary ice-cream upgrades in Skegness.  

And with Britain’s buses being feted across the nation, what better time to spotlight Transport Focus’s Your Bus Journey survey. We’ve spoken to passengers across the country about their experience on more than 35,000 journeys across England. The survey provides a robust, comparable benchmark that can be used by transport authorities, bus operators and governments to identify what really makes a difference to a bus passenger’s journey. Our team works closely with these organisations to ensure evidence is turned from data to delivery of improvements. This enables action plans and investment to make a positive impact for passengers. 

Our survey revealed that 80 per cent of passengers were satisfied with their last journey, with passengers in East Riding of Yorkshire and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole the most satisfied overall with their journey at 90 per cent. While passengers in West Yorkshire were the least satisfied with 73 per cent. Overall, satisfaction was highest with the bus driver – at 85 per cent – and lowest with value for money – 67 per cent.  

While the results demonstrate good and, in some cases, improving performance over the year, we recognise that there is still work to be done. We will use these results to work with Government, local authorities and bus operators to press for improvements, and encourage more people onto the bus.  

So, if you are returning to work after the summer holidays or just out and about doing your errands, next time you step out of the door, why not think about catching the bus this September? 

 

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