Research shows public support for bus priorities
CPT has said that new research shows that most people support measures which give buses greater priority on roads. The research found that three times as many people support bus priority as oppose it, rising to a four-to-one ratio for businesses with all regions enjoying more support than opposition.
Of those who expressed an opinion, 79 per cent of the public support the introduction of measures such as bus lanes and bus only roads, with the same level of support amongst businesses.
To help councils, CPT has produced a set of toolkits that include recommendations based on research with both the general public and business owners on how to best communicate the benefits of bus priority.
Key findings include:
- It is important to highlight the role bus travel can play in delivering local environmental goals and improving the liveability of an area.
- Put accessibility and improved life chances at the heart of messaging.
- Being transparent about potential disruption during construction and ensuring early and meaningful local engagement with local communities is vital.
Commenting on the findings of the research and toolkit launch CPT chief executive Graham Vidler says: “This research shows that councils can enjoy public and business support when it comes to giving buses priority on our roads, helping them meet their own net zero targets and the UK’s overall climate change goals.
“Priority for buses means quicker and more reliable journeys and, therefore, more people on buses. This will improve access to jobs and services and drive down carbon emissions.
“Understandably people can have concerns about schemes where the impact of construction is unclear or the benefits to them and their local community are not clearly set out. Our toolkit will help local authorities ensure widespread community support for measures they want to introduce.”
Transport Minister Baroness Vere backed the launch of the toolkit: “I hope local authorities will take advantage of CPT’s insight and toolkit as they encourage their communities to use public transport services”.