UK bus operators Stagecoach and Go-Ahead Group have collaborated to launch a new report emphasising the importance of integrating bus services into new residential developments.
The report outlines how effective planning can incorporate public transportation into emerging neighbourhoods to improve accessibility and connectivity.
James O’Neill, Commercial Director at Stagecoach South, said:Integrating high-quality bus services into new residential developments is essential for creating sustainable and well-connected communities. This report will help designers and transport planners ensure public transport is prioritised in urban planning, supporting both environmental goals and the evolving needs of residents, making bus travel the most attractive choice for new communities.
The study explores how strategic urban design can enhance bus provision in areas outside major metropolitan centres while aligning with broader policy changes. It updates and expands on previous guidance published by Stagecoach in 2017, incorporating new case studies and reflecting changes in national policy, including the National Model Design Code.
Martin Dean, Managing Director for UK Regional Bus at Go-Ahead Group said:We know how essential bus services are to communities across the country so it’s vital that they are considered in any urban design scheme. By working together, we can ensure that future residential developments are well connected to schools, work and the wider community.
The report was launched online by the Bus Centre of Excellence, funded by the Department for Transport, on 25 March 2025.
