This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Rise in bus passengers’ satisfaction
28/06/2004
Research, which shows an increase in bus passenger
satisfaction with the performance of their local operators,
was welcomed today by Transport Minister Nicol Stephen.
Key findings include:
- Overall satisfaction with local bus services has
risen from 84 per cent to 86 per cent between the 2002
and 2003 surveys
- Ratings are high (above 85 per cent) for
accessibility of bus stops, ease of fare paying,
personal safety and driver attitude
- Concession card holders have a particularly high
satisfaction level regarding to value for money (94 per
cent compared with 89 per cent in the 2002 survey)
- Passengers in the Highlands and Islands expressed
most satisfaction overall with their service
The Minister said:
"This is good news for everyone who wants to see better
public transport in Scotland. Not only have we seen a rise
in bus passenger numbers in recent years, we are now seeing
a rise in passengers' satisfaction.
"Buses form the backbone of vital local transport links
and provide important access to services such as health,
education and leisure facilities.
"That is why I recently announced £18 million for the
next three years for our Bus Route Development Fund to
kickstart major new improvements to our bus services. Buses
are vital to our plans to provide more people with a viable
public transport alternative."
Bus and Coach Statistics 2002-03 published on the
Executive website in March 2004. There were 445 million
passenger journeys on local bus services in Scotland in
2002-03, 1 per cent more than in the previous year.
Bus Route Development Grant is a section 70 transport
grant with the aim of providing financial support for up to
three years to aid the development of new and existing
registered local bus services which have the potential for
growth. The purpose of the grant is to improve public
transport, encourage modal shift and reduce congestion.
The Bus Passenger Satisfaction Survey 2003 is published
today on the Scottish Executive website. The annual survey
was carried out by Colin Buchanan & Partners. A
research findings document is available which summarises
the changes between the 2002 and 2003 surveys. A full
report, which gives detailed regional data for the 2003
survey, is also available. Both can be found at
www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch