What’s driving bus patronage change? An analysis of the evidence base
Jan-2019
Report commenting on the factors that have influeced changes in passenger volumes. The report notes key trends which seem to influence bus use, most of which are unfavourable, e.g. a shift towards the expectation of personalised, on demand goods means people prefer taxis or private hire vehicles. The report also notes factors commonly found in areas which buck the trend in bus decline, these being: good quality bus service, unattractive or difficult car travel and denser urban areas.
The cross-sector benefits of backing the bus
Mar-2019
Report advocating for greater support for bus services, largely through the lens of support it can provide to other governmental departments. E.g. the Department for Education may benefit as more young people will be able to access education, training or other opportunities due to a decrease in barriers such as high travel costs or inconsistent services.
What scope for boosting bus use? An analysis of the intrinsic bus potential of local authority areas in England
Oct-2019
Study into the factors driving change behind bus patronage. The policy implications drawn from the study are that cities have higher potential than towns and villages, deprivation correlates with bus use - therefore poverty reduction policies should be paired with policies that make bus use more attractive to avoid reductions in use and even the areas with highest potential are only just attaining it - likely due to decreases in funding.
Back the Bus to Level Up
Sep-2021
Report into post-pandemic recovery for buses, uses models to predict different scenarios for growth in passenger volumes and vehicle kilometres after the pandemic. Advocates for funding reform to keep pace with transformation being brought forward by post-pandemic improvements.
Impact of Covid on English National Concessionary Travel Journeys
Oct-2023
Report on the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the amount of concessionary travel taking place. Report notes a significant reduction (up to a third) in passholder journeys, with elderly people particularly affected. Additionally, whilst there was a decline of 2.6% in active passholders between 2019 and 2022, rural active passholders increased by 1.6%.
Reversing the decline in rural bus services 2019
Report laying out the issues with rural bus services, what has caused these issues, potential solutions to these issues. The report highlights the value and importance of rural bus services and advocates a 10 point plan for improvement.
Sustainable Transport Alliance: Our vision of future transport 2021
Leaflet produced by a collection of advocacy groups advocating for greener transport, specifically active and public transport modes. Priorities are communication of benefits of active and public transport, creation of opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the transport sector, and the collection of partners and evidence for transport progress in the build up towards the (then) upcoming Cop26.
A Manifesto for UK Bus Services
Feb-2024
A manifesto produced to communicate demands for improved buses. Points include: decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing reliability, affordability and attractiveness of bus services, staying in touch with requirements of users, taking a cross-departmental approach to transport provision, improving accessibility, inclusivity and transparency, making fares simpler and fairer, lifting restrictions on concessionary tickets, and updating the law to make transport provision a socially necessary service, along with ring-fenced funding.
Transport deserts report
Feb-2020
Report develops the idea of transport deserts by identifying areas in which transport provision in very low. The report acknowledges that it has a light touch, and recommends future research into the extent to which these towns are self-sufficient, the usefulness of existing transport services, correlation with demographic and deprivation data, and the extent and quality of active travel infrastructure.
National Bus Strategy: Capacity and Capability
Dec-2023
Research conducted into the experience, technical expertise and resources available to Local Transport Authorities for the purposes of achieving the goals set out in the Bus Back Better Report. Study finds that there a number of issues in this aspect relating to lack of staff, especially in smaller LTAs, difficulties in the structure and knowledge of organisations and a reliance on short-term funding and outsourcing.
Moving Forward Together
Report advocating for improved bus services by encouraging government to: develop a national bus strategy, commit to further investment in urban transport, incentivise local transport authorities to set bus journey time targets, avoid making major changes to the bus service operator grants, identify and trial alternative bus solutions in rural areas, endorse bus operators as preferred delivery partners for the rollout of smart ticketing and to agree on a joint roadmap to zero emissions transport.
Using smartcards on rail in the south east of England: what do passengers want?
Jan-2016
Research into how passenger opinions on smart ticketing has changed with increased use. Focused on rail commuters in south-east England, who will soon have access to smart ticketing. Intended to develop understanding of passenger demands and expectations. Utilised group discussions, face-to-face interviews and workshops.
Contactless Transit - Implementation in the UK
Jun-2019
Report concerning the implementation of EMV contactless ticketing in 2017 as part of the Contactless Transit Framework. Makes use of data from transport operators and stakeholders from relevant companies and government bodies.
The Impact of Congestion on Bus Passengers
May-2016
Study into the impacts of trafffic congestion on bus transport. Highlights increasing bus journey times as catylysts for increasing air pollution, traffic congestion and declining city centres. Suggests setting bus speed targets, increasing management and planning in transport policy, prioritising buses on road networks, decrease dwell times at bus stops and improving advocacy for bus services and passengers.
Smart ticketing in Brighton: What do passengers think?
Oct-2016
Research into the introduction of a new smartcard system in Brighton, 2016. Focus on driver and passenger responses, to ascertain how driver and passenger experiences with the new system have impacted their satisfaction and use of Brighton bus services on the whole.
Smart ticketing in Norfolk: what do passengers think?
Mar-2015
Research into how passenger opinions on smart ticketing has changed with increased use. Focused on rail commuters in south-east England, who will soon have access to smart ticketing. Intended to develop understanding of passenger demands and expectations. Utilised group discussions, face-to-face interviews and workshops.