New research from Getronics indicates that nearly seven in ten people (69%) in the UK would be more inclined to take the bus if operators improved the technology available to passengers.
The findings suggest that investment in digital tools such as real-time information, occupancy tracking and enhanced on-board communication could influence travel choices, alongside ongoing work to modernise vehicle fleets.
The Getronics Bus Trust Tracker, based on a survey of 2,500 UK residents, explores why bus patronage remains inconsistent despite substantial investment in fleet upgrades. According to the report, access to services does not necessarily translate into regular use. Among respondents who have bus routes nearby, more than half said they travel by bus less than once a week. Around one in four use the bus only once every six months or less, and nearly one in five do not use the bus at all.
The study also identifies notable regional differences in travel habits. Respondents in Greater London reported an average of 142 bus trips per year, whereas those in Wales and the South East gave an average of 49. These variations persist even among people who live within reach of local services.
Laurence Kresnyak, UK travel and transport sector lead at Getronics said:We work with transport operators every day, so we know the industry is undergoing major changes. However, there is still a significant gap between the digital experience passengers have in other parts of their lives and the one they find while travelling by bus.
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.
Respondents cited delayed services and long journey times (both at 30%) as the most common deterrents, followed by concerns about overcrowding (24%). The survey asked participants which technological improvements would make them more likely to travel by bus. The most frequently selected options were:
- Accurate live information on bus routes (55%)
- Advance visibility of occupancy levels (53%)
- More consistent updates and better communication from operators (52%)
Laurence concluded:The destination here is clear: better passenger experience, enabled by cutting-edge technology, will mean fuller buses and a more sustainable transport future.
