Burgar – A STUDY OF TRAVEL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES IN A STUDENT POPULATION 1979

Description

This 1979 University of Hull survey (366 valid responses) examined students’ travel patterns and attitudes, with emphasis on bus use. Students favored low-cost modes—especially bicycles, used heavily even for 2–4 mile trips—and switched from walking to mechanised transport around 1–2 miles. Bus use by students for mid-range trips lay between rates for schoolchildren and the general working population. Knowledge of local bus services was generally low: 62.6% felt they knew the system ‘not very well’ and only 35% owned timetables; tested route knowledge was poor but improved with longer residence in Hull and greater bus use. Major dislikes were waiting for buses, the exact-fare system and fares; likes included being able to sit, warmth/ shelter and social aspects. Weather affected choices (students waited more in cold weather). Many said they would use buses more if free, especially cyclists and existing bus users. The study recommends better, more accessible information (leaflets, stop displays), improved waiting comfort, and more user-friendly fare arrangements to boost patronage.