Let's make all bus stops as good as this one!

Hello Supporter

What are bus stops like where you live? 
 
We recently asked for examples of good bus stops, and received some really impressive ones so thank you if you sent one! Some bus stops are brilliant, like the one in the picture above at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. But researching for our new Better Bus Stops report, I learnt that huge numbers of bus stops are poorly-maintained and lack even the most basic information. We commissioned an omnibus survey, which revealed:

• Only half of people surveyed for our report said their nearest bus stop has a shelter
• Only 31 per cent have an up-to-date timetable
• Just 16 per cent have access to live updates about bus arrivals.

This isn't good enough. Bus stops should be comfortable and sheltered, with clear information on display. That's what passengers deserve, and that's what is needed to encourage more people on board.
 
We say there should be a National Bus Stop Standard, requiring bus stops to provide a minimum level of facilities and information. ALL bus stops should have clear signage and an up-to-date timetable on display. And all apart from small 'hail and ride' stops should have a covered shelter with seating, and a real-time bus information display.

Buses for all
 
Of course, an even more basic problem is communities which have barely any buses, or no buses at all. No community should face being cut off from public transport. That’s why in another report recently, Better buses: reforming bus funding, we called on the Government to introduce a Bus Service Guarantee to ensure all communities have at least a minimum, reasonable level of bus service. 
 
A Bus Service Guarantee would be popular – our research found that 87 per cent of people support the idea.

Let's make it happen!
 
If you think a National Bus Stop Standard and a Bus Service Guarantee are good ideas, please email the Government Minister responsible for buses. We've prepared a template message which you can edit as you wish. Let's make this happen and ensure bus passengers' voices are heard and acted on!