‘How can we support the UK public to return to public transport after a global pandemic?’

As the UK emerges from the extraordinary circumstances of national lockdowns while dealing with the ongoing pandemic risks, the UK’s watchdog for travel users asked us to investigate bus passengers’ hesitations and concerns regarding safe travel. A huge amount depended on this research question – alongside the significant reduction in revenue seen by operators a shift away from public transport use could have a negative impact on the environment and human health.

We responded rapidly, speaking to over 200 bus passengers across the reaches of the UK and collecting pictures and videos of their experiences and needs.

Our findings identified the range of challenges ahead for companies needing to motivate journeys and allay concerns. Specifically, we identified practical hygiene and distancing strategies that the public find reassuring, as well as a communications strategy to build new social norms.

To find out more about this project, see the published report here: The route ahead: getting passengers back on buses – Transport Focus