Transport projects worth £1 billion are currently under review by the government, according to the newly appointed Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. With this in mind, there is speculation as to whether the successful fare cap will be scrapped.
The latest annual commuting survey by climate-tech company Mobilityways has revealed a significant increase in bus usage among employees. The survey, called Commuter Census 2024 and now in its fourth year, received responses from 10,325 people. It showed a 17% rise in bus users compared to the previous year.
The implementation of a £2 price cap per journey by the UK government in 2023 is believed to have contributed to this increase in bus usage. The findings also show that 10% of commuters in the UK now choose to travel by bus.
The main reason cited for this increase in bus usage is the cost, with 56% of bus users stating it as their primary factor for choosing this mode of transportation. This is a 12% increase from the previous year.
The popularity of bus travel may continue to rise in the coming years, as the survey also revealed that 43% of respondents would consider using the bus or an electric bus as an alternative to their current mode of commute.
However, there are still some issues that need to be addressed in order for bus travel to reach its full potential. When asked what would encourage them to travel by bus, the majority of respondents highlighted issues such as quicker bus journeys, a bus schedule that aligns with their work arrival and departure times, and a more reliable service. These factors were deemed more important than subsidized or cheaper fares, which only affected 17% of respondents. This suggests that a better service is a key factor for commuters when considering their mode of transportation, rather than the price.
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