Modal Shift
Over the last decade, the demand for public transport has increased. This 'modal shift' is often attributed to the following push and pull factors.
Push Factors:
Increased Motoring Costs
| Motoring costs have risen steeply in recent years. Fuel prices alone have increased significantly and combined with road tax and insurance, travelling by private car can be very expensive. The cost of commuting to work by car rose 21 per cent in 2011, according to a study by breakdown service Green Flag. The increase in motoring costs is not just impacting current motorists but is also restricting the number of new drivers. It has been reported that the number of 17 to 22 year olds taking their driving test has fallen by 19% since 2005. |
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Congested Roads
| Congestion in urban areas and on motorways is at very high levels today. In contrast, journey times and reliability of bus and rail has dramatically improved. It has been reported that the Government forecasts congestion will jump by more than 50 per cent in the next two decades. |
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Environmental Awareness
| Rail and bus have superior environmental credentials compared to the private car. Increasingly the public are looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint and government policies such as the UK Climate Change Act promote the use of public transport. |
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Healthier Lifestyles
| We are increasingly seeking healthier lifestyles. Instead of always using the car for journeys we may choose to cycle to the train station or walk to the bus stop instead. This shift in attitude is demonstrated by the success of London's cycle hire scheme. In addition, the combination of rising congestion and accelerating motoring costs are shaping a more positive attitude towards public transport. |
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Pull Factors:
Improved Quality
| Investment by operating companies and funding from the government in public transport has resulted in higher quality services. Journey times have improved and services are more frequent and reliable. |
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Value For Money
| Bus travel is widely regarded as the cheapest mode of public transport. A month's bus pass can often be cheaper than filling up a car with a tank of petrol. Contrary to public perception rail travel can be very good value for money, especially when compared to the increase in private motoring costs. In addition, rail tickets booked in advance or off-peak services provide a very economic way to travel. |
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Priority Bus Measures
| Central and local government policies have become more public transport friendly in recent years. For example the introduction of congestion charging in London, dedicated bus lanes and park & ride schemes across the UK. |
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Convenience
| Using public transport can be a very convenient way to travel. With increasing road congestion traveling by bus or rail can often be quicker and more relaxing than traveling by car. In addition, technological improvements such as real time information at bus stops, the use of social media and Smartphone apps have helped to make travelling by bus and rail more convenient. |
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Smartcards
| Smartcards are improving the customer experience as passengers do not need to carry around loose change or wait in queues at ticket offices. Using smartcards also helps to speed up bus loading times. In London, the Oyster smartcard has been a huge success with over 95% of passenger journeys now made using the card. Outside of London, operating companies are beginning to invest in technology to provide their customers with similar cards, such as Go-Ahead's smartcard 'the key'. |  |
Safer
| Investment by operating companies and local / central government in CCTV on buses, trains and stations, coupled with the enforcement of the British Transport Police has significantly improved the safety and the perception of safety on public transport. |
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