‘Vote of confidence’ in region’s buses

More than 9 out of ten bus passengers in Tyne and Wear are either ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their bus journeys, according to the latest survey from Passenger Focus.

The results are a massive vote of confidence in the bus industry in the North East.

Kevin Carr, managing director of Go North East, said: “91% of bus passengers in Tyne and Wear said that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the bus experience. This compares with an average for the metropolitan areas as a whole of 84%, and 85% or 86% across the rest of the country. Bus companies in the region must be doing something right to come out top.”

The report also highlighted the value of bus services to the local economy. While one third of all trips are journeys to and from work, another third are shopping trips, helping to underpin the county’s retail sector.

One in four of Tyne and Wear’s bus users do so because it’s more convenient or cheaper than owning and running a car. Tyne and Wear’s buses also lead the field in measures of quality such as cleanliness, ease of boarding and comfortable seating.

Mr. Carr said: “This is a tremendous vote of confidence in the county’s bus operators. It’s got to cast doubt on the ITA’s wish to impose Quality Contracts. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?”