Better tech could boost UK bus use & help meet Net Zero goals

A recent study of 2,500 UK residents has found that the adoption of better technology would make 69% of people more likely to use the bus, highlighting a significant influence of digital factors on public transport usage.

Usage habits

The report found that despite substantial investments in bus fleets, public usage remains low. Of those with access to a local bus route, 54% take the bus less than once per week. Twenty-eight percent use the bus once every six months or less, and 17% said they never use bus services at all. The data suggest that increasing public transport uptake will require more than investment in greener vehicles.

Regional differences

There are sharp disparities in usage between different parts of the UK. Residents in Greater London take an average of 142 bus trips per year. In comparison, people in Wales and the South East average only 49 journeys annually. These figures indicate that while urban populations may rely more on bus services, there are significant regional challenges to increasing ridership elsewhere.

Barriers to travel

Survey respondents identified delayed services and long journey times as the leading factors discouraging bus use, each cited by 30%. Overcrowded buses were named by 24% of respondents. Respondents suggested specific improvements likely to make them consider bus travel more often: 55% wanted access to accurate real-time information on bus routes, 53% prioritised the ability to check bus occupancy before departure, and 52% highlighted the benefits of better communication regarding fleet services.

Technology expectations

"Nearly half of Brits with access to local routes don't use the bus even once a week, often opting for less sustainable modes of transport. That's a lot of empty seats and an even bigger opportunity for operators. When we look at the three biggest barriers to bus usage, every single one could be solved with tech innovation," said Laurence Kresnyak, UK Travel & Transport Sector Lead, Getronics.

The findings suggest a significant gap between digital experiences in other sectors and those in public transport. Many consumers expect digital services, such as live updates and occupancy notifications, that bus operators are not currently providing.

Net zero challenge

The report links low bus usage to progress toward the UK's Net Zero targets. It suggests that higher bus ridership could reduce overall carbon emissions associated with personal transport. However, according to the data, the current usage rate is unlikely to meet the country's environmental ambitions.

"As it stands there are simply not enough people using the bus to hit the UK's Net Zero targets. Our data shows to get people using the bus more, they need a service they can rely on. Bus operators need to focus on utilising technology to deliver the connected and reliable travel experience passengers demand," said Kresnyak.

The report indicates that passenger experience remains a central factor in travel choices. Efficient, tech-enabled services may represent the next step in boosting bus travel and meeting broader sustainability objectives.

"The destination here is clear: better passenger experience, enabled by cutting-edge technology, will mean fuller buses and a more sustainable transport future," said Kresnyak.