From 29 June to 5 July sees the annual UK Catch the Bus Week campaign. The week-long campaign focuses on raising awareness of the benefits of using the bus. The campaign aims at encouraging people who do not usually get on a bus to give it a try.
Buses are a vital part of keeping any society moving and ensuring seamless transportation options for all of us. Annually over five billion bus journeys are made in the UK with one billion of those to or from work. In general bus passengers make up over two thirds of all public transport usage.
One key benefit from traveling by bus is the impact it can have on health and wellbeing. Research commissioned by Greener Journeys from 2010 showed that it is 33% less stressful than commuting by car. The average daily bus user also walks the equivalent of 11 marathons each year. Buses are also a great way to support local communities and bring people together. Every day buses carry millions of people to work, enable senior citizens to be an active part of their communities and offer students an affordable means of transport. Job seekers are also heavily dependent on buses, with 77% having no regular access to vehicles.
From an economic perspective buses are also important. Every £1 invested in buses generates £3.32 of economic benefit. Buses are also one of the best options to combat congestion which costs the UK economy at least £11 billion a year. In addition to other benefits buses offer a cost-effective way to cut carbon emissions and thus improving local air quality.
So between 29 June and 5 July, make the Smart Move and give your local bus services a go!
Catch the Bus Week
Bus travel a “third less stressful than the car”