Bates A – CATCHING UP WITH THE BUS 1995

Description

The National Consumer Council’s report “Catching up with the Bus” finds passenger information on UK buses is patchy and often absent, contributing to a long-term decline in bus use. A February 1984 field survey of 312 stops, 38 buses and 23 stations showed one in five stops had no information, maps and fares were rare, timetable design was often hard to follow and many stations did not announce delays. Operators underinvest in marketing (0–0.25% of turnover) compared with rail and airlines, yet simple publicity—leaflets, coordinated timetables and small local campaigns—produced rapid ridership increases in trials. The report urges operators to collaborate on coordinated information, produce directories, include maps and fares in timetables, test materials for clarity, keep timetables current, distribute leaflets through local outlets, use radio/newspapers, run a central freephone line, and require information provision in council tenders. It warns that deregulation will make accessible, customer-focused information even more essential to sustain and grow bus travel.