With the introduction of mandatory face coverings on public transport in England, Bus Users has published the results of a Twitter survey – which attracted almost 1,500 responses – into the extent and nature of people’s concerns around bus travel as the rules on lockdown are eased.
The survey asked 5 key questions –
- Are you able to wear a face covering?
- Are you aware of safety measures put in place by bus operators?
- Are you willing to use the bus?
- Have your views on public transport changed?
- What concerns you most about travelling on public transport?
Bus Users reports that 73% of respondents said they would be wearing a face covering, and 84% of people were aware of safety measures put in place by operators. Over 65% were willing to use the bus, the survey found, and around half said their views on using public transport had not changed Whilst some people had reported concerns around their own ability to follow the rules and were fearful of being challenged by drivers and other passengers, the survey reported nearly 70% of people were more concerned about other people breaking the rules.
Commenting on the findings, Dawn Badminton-Capps, Bus Users Director for England, said: “Operators have clearly done a great deal to communicate with their passengers and despite some concerns, the vast majority (65.8%) of people said they were willing to return to bus travel. What’s needed now is clarity and consistency around the rules on bus travel and how they are enforced. The bus will be a vital tool in our economic and social recovery and we need everyone to feel confident and safe about travelling if we are to ensure services are viable and sustainable for the future.”
The full report can be found at: https://bususers.org/england/twitter-poll-results-published-on-how-people-feel-about-getting-back-on-the-bus/
