Catch the Bus Month 2024 launches

Bus Users UK is officially launching its annual campaign, Catch the Bus Month, in celebration of buses and accessible travel.

Catch the Bus Month 2024 runs throughout September and has already attracted support from hundreds of transport bodies, charities, passenger groups and representatives from central and local government across England, Scotland and Wales.

The focus this year is on accessibility and improving access, with buses providing vital connections to education, work, healthcare and leisure, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to lead active and fulfilling lives.

New research from Bus Users UK on the experiences of disabled bus passengers, ‘Why are we waiting?’, shows the impact accessible transport can have on people’s lives and the difference even simple improvements can make. According to the Motability Foundation’s report, ‘The Transport Accessibility Gap’, it is not just passengers who benefit, with the UK economy standing to gain over £70 billion each year by making transport fully accessible.

This year’s Catch the Bus Month aims to highlight how accessible buses already are, and to encourage more people to get onboard or make the switch from private cars. It also aims to ensure disabled people are actively involved in the design of vehicles, infrastructure and services, so that buses genuinely meet the needs of the people using them.

“…it’s about getting everyone on board because at some point in our lives, most of us will need accessible transport” – Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK and Disability and Access Ambassador for buses

Launching the campaign, Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK and Disability and Access Ambassador for buses, said: “This year’s Catch the Bus Month isn’t just about getting more people on board, it’s about getting everyone on board because at some point in our lives, most of us will need accessible transport, whether that’s through age, illness, disability or simply having too much to carry!

“Buses open the door to life’s opportunities and when everyone is able to contribute fully to society, we all benefit.”

• News and updates on Catch the Bus Month 2024 including the Partner Pack and campaign assets are available in English and Welsh, along with a comprehensive list of events here.