Bus passengers in the capital want improvements in frequency and expect Transport for London and the Mayor to ensure the current number of bus services are maintained and improved according to research published by London TravelWatch, the capital’s passenger watchdog.
The research document, which was published today at the watchdog’s board meeting at City Hall, shows that the concerns of Londoners differ from those of national bus users with passengers in the capital much less likely to be concerned about integrated tickets or getting a seat on the bus.
Instead London bus users want improvements to the ‘countdown’ electronic waiting time system and more than three quarters of respondents expressed concerns about punctuality and reliability.
Sharon Grant, Chair, London TravelWatch said this difference in concerns and prorates “reflects the significant advances in meeting the needs of bus passengers in the capital – many of these improvements were advocated and pressed for by London TravelWatch. TfL would do well to take serious note of this research to ensure that these advances are built upon and the level of service is maintained to meet the demand.”
Grant said it was “vital that Transport for London listens to the debate, and thinks carefully about how to meet passengers’ expectation and demand.”
The full report – Bus Passengers’ Priorities for Improvement in London – can be downloaded from the TravelWatch website.