New research conducted by Censuswide has found that nearly 50% of UK public transport users (48%) now feel pushed toward online shopping as a result of poor connectivity.
The survey, was has been published by UK bus franchise operator Metroline, has found that a lack of connectivity makes it ‘too difficult’ to reach physical shops, putting additional pressure on high streets and local businesses.
These findings come following Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s recent announcement of a 210 million GBP package intended to regenerate high streets across the UK, including funds to restore derelict buildings and rescue businesses at risk of closure.
Metrolink has stated that, without transport links to carry people to shops, this investment is at risk of going to waste, and has suggested that improvements to bus networks will be central to turning funding into ‘real footfall’.
Within the aforementioned survey, 64% of public transport users agreed that buses are a ‘vital route’ to local high streets and services, however, 45% say that limited public transport links to town centres make them less likely to go shopping at all.
This impact, according to Metrolink, isn’t limited to retail. With UK high streets seeing an increasing shift toward hospitality, leisure and experience-led businesses to drive footfall; 46% of public transport users say poor transport links make them less likely to eat out or socialise locally, and four in ten (41%) claim that limited public transport links to town centres and high streets make them feel ‘cut off’ from their community as a whole.
Businesses surveyed have also stressed the vital role that connectivity plays in securing the future health of the UK high street. Of those asked, 68% have stated that poor transport and connectivity is compounding the cost of doing business at a time when businesses are already under pressure from rising costs, and three quarters (73%) have said that transport connectivity is an important factor when deciding where to locate or expand, whilst 72% have agreed that good bus links make an area more attractive for investment. With better transport links, 69% of UK businesses say they would have a more confident outlook for the future.
Edward Thomas, CEO of ComfortDelGro Bus & Coach in the UK and Ireland, said:Buses are the unsung backbone of everyday life for millions of people – getting them to work, to loved ones and to the high street. When connections to the high street are poor, the impact goes far beyond an inconvenient journey. People default to online, businesses lose footfall and investment decisions can be affected.
Connectivity is a fundamental part of the infrastructure that keeps local economies moving and high streets thriving. Ahead of this month’s Budget, plans must be in place to ensure people have the travel connectivity they need to make the Government’s high street regeneration package work in practice.
