National Catch the Bus Month campaign focuses on accessibility for all
People across Oxfordshire are being encouraged to take the bus in September, to celebrate Catch the Bus Month.
The Oxford Bus Group is taking part in the Bus Users UK campaign that this year celebrates buses and accessible travel. It is focused on highlighting the accessibility of buses ensuring everyone has the opportunity to lead active and fulfilling lives.
It comes after new research by Bus Users UK on the experiences of disabled bus passengers revealed the impact accessible transport can have on people’s lives and the difference even simple improvements can make.
Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Pulhams and Carousel Buses is taking part in the initiative via a social media campaign highlighting the wider benefits of bus travel, including convenience, environmental and economic, to help promote it to non-bus users.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Group, said: “Bus travel provides vital accessibility, enabling people to get out and about for work and leisure in a safe, sustainable and cost-effective way. We’re actively taking part in the campaign to help raise awareness of the benefits of bus services and would encourage people to use it as an opportunity to see what buses have to offer. And to celebrate catch the bus month, we’ve just introduced several enhancements to our network at each of Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and Pulhams.”
Bus users still currently benefit from the Government bus fare-cap scheme, meaning a single adult fare on any single bus journey is £2. Members of the Oxford Bus Group team will be at Bonn Square in Oxford on 30th September for an engagement event where people can learn more about bus services.
Oxford Bus Company’s city services operate using electric vehicles, meaning 80% of its local bus fleet is now zero-emission. Taking a bus instead of a car can help people cut their travel carbon emissions per passenger kilometre by 38% and by 80% if a bus is carrying 40 passengers.
Buses also help reduce congestion and are responsible for 1.4 billion shopping trips a year in the UK, contributing £21 billion to the economy. Research has found 77% of jobseekers do not have access to a car and buses provide accessibility for people to return to work.
Claire Walters, chief executive of Bus Users UK and disability and access ambassador for buses, said: “This year’s Catch the Bus Month isn’t just about getting more people on board, it’s about getting everyone on board because at some point in our lives, most of us will need accessible transport, whether that’s through age, illness, disability or simply having too much to carry.
“Buses open the door to life’s opportunities and when everyone is able to contribute fully to society, we all benefit.”
ENDS
