New national research has found that people who use the bus to commute are on average £1,000 better off than those travelling to work by car.
Despite lower fuel prices, bus travel costs are around 55% cheaper than the same commute by car, saving passengers an average of around £95 a month, according to the study.
The average annual savings of £1095 would be enough to cover the entire annual energy costs for a medium-sized house.
The news comes as further research shows that people’s worries about congestion and its impact on pollution are growing, with 55% of people saying they were concerned about congestion and 60% saying they were concerned about exhaust fumes in towns and cities.
Robert Montgomery, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said, “This research shows it’s still significantly cheaper to commute to work by bus for many people up and down the country. “The average savings could pay for a family holiday, or increase the monthly shopping budget. “We are working hard to deliver good value travel for the many people who rely on the bus. However, bus passengers need urgent action from our politicians to tackle the growing problem of traffic congestion in our towns and cities which is pushing up fares and increasing journey times.” | Welsh saving | |
Research by Stagecoach, Britain’s biggest bus and coach operator, covered around 35 key commuter routes in England, Scotland and Wales. It compared the weekly price of hopping on the bus with the cost of fuel and car parking for the same journeys. The study found commuters in Wales who travel between Merthyr and Cardiff could save around £1,600 a year by switching to bus travel at £24 a week. |
But he ended by warning, “We are investing in continued improvements for our customers but we need those responsible for road infrastructure to match that commitment by freeing up road space to let buses flourish.”
Further information on Stagecoach UK Bus visit www.stagecoachbus.com