Nationwide and European Marketing Surveys – HERTFORDSHIRE PASSENGER TRANSPORT MARKET RESEARCH STUDY 1993

Description

A May–June 1993 Hertfordshire passenger transport survey found regular bus use (57% travel 1–4 times/week; 43% travel 5 times/week). Main trip purposes were shopping (44%) and work (34%); singles and returns were the most bought tickets. Fare value opinions were split (47% not reasonable, 53% reasonable); 47% believed operators charge different fares for the same journey. Most (67%) catch the first available bus; only 31% would pay more for improved service—those who would want more frequent and later services and better punctuality. Service ratings were generally average-to-good, with cleanliness, punctuality and reliability attracting the most negative comment. Space for shopping/pushchairs was a notable problem. Awareness of the Passenger Transport Unit and Traveline was low (PTU ~8.9%; 71% hadn’t heard of Traveline), though Traveline users rated it positively. Recommendations: joint PTU/operator action to improve frequency, reliability, cleanliness and seating/storage; targeted publicity trials; County Council seen as the preferred coordinator.