Buses are the one form of public transport with the best bounce back since the pandemic. In this post, we look at the appeal of bus travel and why we need reliable bus networks.
There isn’t generally the same love affair with buses as with other forms of transport, especially the car (look at how the movie industry portrays bus passengers, unless you’re Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock!). But the benefits of an effective bus infrastructure – and the value it brings to people from all parts of the community – cannot be underestimated. According to Statista Research Department Americans took 3.5 billion bus trips in 2023.
And there is a lot to love.
Let’s first look at how buses foster a sense of community. With half of Americans experiencing a measurable degree of loneliness, riding the bus provides opportunities for much needed social interaction, whether it’s a friendly greeting from the driver or conversations with other passengers.
There’s a noticeable difference in the atmosphere between bus passengers and, say, metro users. Perhaps the inherently slower pace of buses attracts more people who take the time to look around and notice others. You’re also physically closer to others on the bus, creating a more human experience that some may dislike, but others genuinely appreciate.
Bus travel offers a unique perspective of the world, connecting you with the built environment and the local community. On certain city bus routes, such as the bus line 100 in Berlin, you can see all the city’s main sights for the price of a bus ticket, from Alexander Platz to the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag right up to Berlin Zoo. It’s an incredible, affordable opportunity to soak up the cultural flavor and architectural styles that make the city unique.
Research shows that commuting by bus is a third less stressful than commuting by car. There’s no need to worry about traffic; the driver takes care of that for you. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with dedicated bus lanes, you can enjoy the pleasure of bypassing gridlocked traffic. You don’t have to stress about parking at your destination.
Buses beat cars hands down in many ways. Bus travel is 50 times safer than private car travel. Buses’ excellent safety record in recent years stems from increasingly certified and licensed professional drivers, improved road infrastructure, advances in bus technology, and (in the US) strict Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards.
Modern electric buses reduce air pollution in built-up areas, and one vehicle can take between 30 and 75 cars off the road, depending on its capacity. It is cheaper to ride the bus than to own and maintain a vehicle, which not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner, greener environment.
Buses benefit transit agencies by running on existing roads. Routes and services can be adapted to passenger needs as they are not dependent on dedicated infrastructure such as tracks.
In Copenhagen, significant public events, such as music festivals, are often held slightly outside the city center. The regional bus company, Movia, has put on additional buses and extended the route to ensure people can get there with minimal stress. During Copenhell, a rock festival, the buses even dressed up for the occasion with devil horns!
Of course, there are some criticisms of using the bus, mainly that services can be too slow and unreliable. Transit agencies, bus operators and technology partners around the world are focused on ways to remove these frustrations and make bus ridership a no-brainer.
Kuba’s mobility platform is designed to help. Our technology enables fare payments with the tap of a bank card or mobile wallet. It makes it possible to plan your journey, buy tickets and receive real-time travel updates using a single app. . It saves riders’ time and provides a sense of control over their journeys. In addition, data gathered by digital payment systems can be used by operators to identify ways to improve their services and respond better to passengers’ needs.
Technology can help bus networks realize their full potential. However, US bus investment needs to increase to grasp this opportunity. APTA found that every dollar invested in public transit yields around $4 in economic gain for the community, so there is everything to gain from investment.
In a world where time is a precious commodity, catching the bus allows us to reclaim some of it.