Thank you to everyone that took part in the 2024 Essex Bus Survey. This year, 3,133 responses were received. As well as an online survey, Face-to-Face interviews were conducted in Basildon, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Harlow and Harwich. There were 845 responses to the Face to Face surveys, 689 bus users and 156 non-bus users. With 2,288 responses received from the online survey, 1,824 of those were bus users and 464 non-bus users.
So, what were some of the key findings from the survey?
The top three reasons for using a bus were (1) shopping, (2) commuting to and from work and (3) for leisure trips.
80% of passengers were aware of the £2 bus fare cap. If you are not familiar with this offer, go read our blog around the £2 scheme.
Punctuality satisfaction increased from 45% in 2023 to 57% in 2024.
Satisfaction with the length of time of the bus journey increased by 3% from 74% in 2023 to 77% in 2024.
Satisfaction with the bus journey today increased from 54% in 2023 to 66% in 2024.
Satisfaction with value for money increased from 65% in 2023 to 80% in 2024.
Regarding frequency, connections and reliability of service, frequency moved up 4% to 28% for a very good service and connections with other transport moved up 6% to 41% for a very good service, whilst reliability of services moved down 11% to 29%.
Good affordability of services increased from 25% to 57%.
When checking bus timetables, operator apps were the most used, followed by printed timetables at bus stops.
When asked by non-bus users why they do not use the bus the top three reasons were, (1) more convenient to drive, (2) lack of services in my area and (3) buses not being reliable enough.
The overall satisfaction levels were 80% for value for money, 57% for punctuality, 66% for overall journey and 77% for journey time.
We are currently working with Transport Providers to continue to improve our service and are reviewing suggestions provided from the survey.
See the full results from the survey here.
