In a survey of over 2,000 UK adults by YouGov, 84% of UK motorists who have Audio Visual (AV) installed on their local bus services said they found it helpful when travelling somewhere they are unfamiliar with.
Additionally, 19% of 25-34 year old motorists who have buses in their local area said they would be more likely to use bus if it was equipped with audio visual announcements.
Another independent polling company, nfpSynergy, asked 1,000 adults in the UK whether audible “next stop” announcements should be compulsory on all buses. 74% said yes.
Guide Dogs is encouraging local authorities to make the most of the findings when preparing Better Bus Area bids, for which the deadline is June 21.
Guide Dogs Campaigns Manager, James White, said: “I am sure that if just some of these people, many of who will be commuting, or travelling regularly for social purposes, were persuaded out of cars and taxis and onto the bus as a result of equipping them with next stop announcements, the investment would be repaid many times over.”
