UK charity to re-launch Catch the Bus Month in September 2022

Credit: Bus Users UK

UK charity Bus Users is calling on passengers, operators, local authorities, passenger groups and community transport providers to get on board for ‘Catch the Bus Month’ in September 2022.

This will be the first year that the charity has hosted the campaign since Greener Journeys handed it over in 2020. While many people have now returned to schools, offices and social events, public transport passenger numbers have remained below pre-pandemic levels.

Bus Users wants this campaign to celebrate the bus as a sustainable, inclusive and accessible form of transport that reduces congestion, improves air quality and provides access to better life opportunities.

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Launching the campaign, Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users said: “As life returns to normal we want people who used to travel by bus to get back on board. Research has consistently shown that buses are safe, despite what government messaging said during the pandemic. Most people would be surprised at what the bus has to offer now in terms of technology, comfort, affordability and accessibility. All buses should provide low-floor access and most now offer free Wifi, ticketing and real-time information apps, on-board audio-visual announcements and well-trained drivers who are on-hand throughout the journey to offer help and support.

Claire Haigh, former Chief Executive of Greener Journeys who launched the original campaign in 2013 said: “I am delighted that Bus Users is hosting Catch the Bus Month. As life returns to normal there is so much to celebrate about the bus. The bus is such a powerful tool for bringing communities together and tackling loneliness, and switching from car to bus is one of the best ways we can reduce pollution and support our economy.”