12 September
Buses help to reduce congestion, improve air quality, as well as provide people with access to social interaction and life’s opportunities.
For some, the bus is not just a means of getting from A to B, but also a vital dose of social interaction. The bus facilitates travelling to meet friends, family and visit shopping and leisure districts as well as attend essential services. This is especially important in Nottingham, where car ownership is lower than the national average.
Why is the bus important, socially?
Travelling on the bus offers opportunities to socialise for lonely and vulnerable groups. Did you know that social isolation costs the UK over £9000 each year for every person affected? Interestingly, research by the University of Leeds found that a 10% improvement in local bus connectivity links to a 3.6% decrease in social deprivation. Getting out and about is important to our health and so is social interaction. This is why the bus is a lifeline for so many.
Loneliness and isolation
The Government’s Loneliness Strategy outlines that loneliness is severely damaging to health and wellbeing, and ‘one of [the] most pressing public health issues’ in England. Access to essential public and local transport services is key to tackling this problem.
Buses reduce social isolation and improve health and wellbeing. Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK the charity behind Catch the Bus Month said: “Buses make a huge contribution to all our lives socially, economically and environmentally. They are also a lifeline for communities providing access to education, work, healthcare, shops and leisure. We want to see more people get on board this September to protect these vital services for future generations.”
This September is Catch the Bus Month run by Bus Users UK, find out more here. Let’s get on board this #CatchtheBusMonth!
