Passenger confidence needs boosting, says Bus Users

Bus Users is calling on government, local authorities and operators to do more to ensure people feel safe and confident about travelling by bus and particularly by coach. This comes as the recent survey reported that 56% of respondents said they used the coach before lockdown, but 60% said they will not be using it now.

The survey of 440 respondents found 32% of people are not currently using the bus compared to just 1% of respondents before lockdown. It also found 40% of people say they will use the bus more in the future.

Other findings of the survey include:

• 70% of respondents were concerned about other passengers not wearing face coverings.
• 63% of people with a medical exemption say they do not feel comfortable travelling without a face covering.
• 39% of people wear a face covering despite having a medical exemption.
• 60% of respondents use a concessionary pass to travel but 8% pay for their tickets using cash, almost the same number as use an app or website.
• 95% of people reported having no trouble at all either paying for their ticket or getting a
  refund during lockdown.

Bus Users also suggests that more needs to be done to improve awareness of medical exemptions to face coverings so people unable to wear a mask can travel without being made to feel uncomfortable, challenged or even abused by others.

Dawn Badminton-Capps, Bus Users Director for England, said: “Bus and coach operators have been working tirelessly to keep their passengers and staff moving safely throughout this crisis.

“It is critical, however, that these lifeline services are there for communities beyond the pandemic, and that will only be possible with the support of government, and by ensuring that everyone can feel safe and confident about travelling.”

• Bus Users’ full report can be read here.