As we gear up for Catch the Bus Month this month, it's time to reflect on the crucial role buses play in our communities and consider how we can all contribute to improving and promoting bus services nationwide.
There are so many reasons to support your bus services and travel by bus:
- Accessibility: Buses are one of the most accessible form of public transport, ensuring everyone – regardless of age, ability, or economic status – has access to life’s opportunities.
- Environmental Impact: By reducing the number of cars on the road, buses significantly decrease carbon emissions and improve air quality in our towns and cities.
- Economic Benefits: Buses connect people to jobs, education, and shopping areas, boosting local economies and revitalizing town centres.
- Health and Wellbeing: Using the bus often involves more walking than driving, promoting physical activity and reducing stress from traffic congestion.
- Cost: With rising fuel prices, bus travel can be a more affordable option for many commuters and families, especially utilising the ongoing bus fare cap.
If you’re passionate about improving bus services in your area, here are some ways we’ve come up with to get involved:
- Provide Feedback: Participate in surveys and consultations run by local transport authorities or bus companies.
- Join a Bus Users Group: Collaborate with like-minded individuals to advocate for better services in your community.
- Engage with Local Representatives: Write to your councillors and/or MPs about the importance of bus services and the need for improved funding and infrastructure.
- Attend Public Meetings: Participate in local transport forums or council meetings where bus services are discussed.
Lastly, there are several ways for both organisations and individuals to support Catch the Bus Month:
- For Organisations:
- Offer Incentives: If you’re a business, consider providing discounts to customers who show a bus ticket.
- Host Events: Organize community events or workshops highlighting the benefits of bus travel.
- Workplace Initiatives: Encourage employees to take the bus by offering incentives or setting up a workplace challenge.
- Collaborate: Partner with local bus operators or transport authorities to promote bus use.
- For Individuals:
- Try a Bus Day: Commit to using the bus for a day or a week instead of driving.
- Spread the Word: Share your bus experiences on social media using #CatchTheBusMonth and #CTBM24.
- Explore Your Area: Use buses to visit local attractions or take scenic routes you might not usually see when driving.
- Bring a Friend: Introduce someone who doesn’t usually use buses to the benefits of bus travel.
- Give Feedback: Share your thoughts on local bus services – both positive experiences and areas for improvement.
By supporting Catch the Bus Month, we are contributing to creating more sustainable, accessible, and vibrant communities through bus. Whether you’re a regular user or new to public transport, this September is the perfect time to get on board!
Learn more about Catch the Bus Week on the Bus Users website.
