The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) has conducted independent research on the scale and breadth of economic benefits delivered by local bus services to the British economy, the findings suggesting that further investment will reap dividends for the transport industry.
The research outlined that bus operators directly employ 105,000 people and support employment of a further 53,000 in the sector’s supply chain – which provides an £11bn boost to the British economy.
Bus passengers are also estimated to spend £1 in every £10 spent on the High Street – contributing a total of almost £40bn every year to local economies.
This is in addition to bus commuters paying £15bn in taxes in the £72bn they earn through jobs accessed via bus commutes.
CEO at the CPT Graham Vidler said: “This new research shows the tremendous economic contribution driven by the 100,000 people who work in the bus sector, the 50,000 people working in our supply chain, and the millions of people who use buses every day.
“It highlights how buses support every aspect of our lives, boosting local economies, connecting communities, improving health, and protecting our environment.
“It also shows that investing in better bus services is exceptional value-for-money and offers a speedy, flexible way to support green growth across the whole country.”
The research also shows that buses deliver a host of wider benefits for both passengers and local communities – including access to jobs, education and training worth £8.7bn, health benefits worth £2.8bn, support for volunteer work valued at over £1bn, and a reduction in congestion worth £600m per year.
On average, bus passengers – travelling for leisure, shopping or to get to work – spend £32 per return journey in shops, cafes, restaurants, and leisure facilities at their destinations, contributing £39.1bn per year to their local economies.
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “In Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, the economic impact of our bus services is profound, with £1.8bn generated in the East Midlands Combined County Authority area alone.
“As we look ahead to new opportunities with the Better Buses Bill, it is crucial that we continue to invest in our bus networks, ensuring they remain sustainable, innovative, and responsive to the needs of our communities. By working closely with operators, we can deliver a network that truly benefits everyone in the East Midlands.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable public transport planning will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
