A poll of almost 1,000 Transdev customers, including commuters, shoppers and leisure travellers, has revealed that the majority are keen to return to using the bus.
The operator carried out the research for its ‘Back to Bus’ survey, gathering the views of 970 of its customers across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Up to 97% of respondents said they will return to the bus now that travel restrictions have been eased. Of those polled:
- 90% say they will return to the bus to travel to work;
- 92% are ready to take the bus for leisure;
- 97% will travel by bus for shopping; and
- 93% will return to the bus for education.
The research showed that the following numbers would return to the bus:
- 94% of all customers in Lancashire, and 92% in Yorkshire; and
- 95% of customers over 65 and 93% of under 20s.
Responses to the survey also indicated wide recognition of Transdev’s ‘Clean, Safe and Ready to Go’ customer pledge, to provide the highest possible standards of cleanliness and safety on all its buses.
Transdev CEO Alex Hornby said: “These results show that our customers believe what we have long been saying – our buses are clean, safe and ready to go. Following on from the Prime Minister’s declaration of an immediate return to public transport, which means people can now travel by bus for any reason, this survey shows people are now ready to return to the bus.
“With increased and thorough cleaning of each bus, clear safety guidance on board and a warm welcome from our amazing team, the time is right now to return to the bus. We’re also proud to be awarded VisitEngland’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard and confidence mark, demonstrating that all safe social distancing and cleanliness protocols are in place on every one of our buses.
“We also now offer flexible ticket bundles created to suit changing travel patterns, as part-time home working has risen in popularity, all on our Transdev Go app which shows live tracking of buses and how many seats are free on board.
“We’re now ready to help people travelling back to work, back to the shops, back to leisure and back to education, while also reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in our towns and cities. It’s time to come back to the bus.”
