10 great reasons to take the bus

We believe that bus travel is an extremely environmentally friendly way of travelling around the city and county. We are dedicated to making bus travel greener, easier and more affordable than ever before.
So let’s explore the top 10 benefits to taking the bus...

• Reduces air pollution
  
  ‍Less fuel burned means better air quality for the city and the county. Approximately 85% of the greenhouse gas emissions that come from transportation are due to day-to-day commutes. By leaving the car at home, a person can save up to 20 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every day. Buses keep the air cleaner.
• Improves road congestion
  
  ‍Travelling by bus can help to alleviate traffic congestion, especially in the city. By choosing to travel by bus, you contribute to fewer cars on the road, which translates into reduced traffic jams and a faster commute for everyone. Did you know, a fully loaded double-decker bus can take75 cars off the road.
• Improves health
  
  Did you know just walking to and from the bus stop can provide the recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day? Being active helps with physical health and taking the bus instead of driving reduces stress.
• Provides connectivity
  
  Not everyone can drive. The bus offers an amazing option to get you where you need to be. The bus provides a great way to get to a workplace or a place of education, reducing the need for a car to hold a job or to access education. Bus travel can also provide invaluable links to other areas to support access to healthcare, shopping, social gatherings and more.
• Can be a less stressful way to travel and free up valuable time
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  When someone is behind the wheel of the car they should only be doing one thing – driving! There are laws against using a smartphone while driving. This multi-tasking limitation of driving a car can result in hours of ineffective time. Alternatively, passengers on the bus can be more productive with their time. People can sleep, read, work, catch up with social media or choose to relax on their travels.

6. Cheaper travel
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   Bus travel is generally more affordable than driving, especially when considering the cost to buy a car, insure it and keep up to date with vehicle maintenance. The costs to running a car are also on the increase when you consider fuel costs and parking fees. The Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership is working hard to offer a variety of bus tickets and fares. You can find out more here.
7. Access to Employment
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   Bus travel enables people to commute to work easily, opening up a wider range of employment opportunities that might have otherwise been inaccessible. It is also vital for those trying to re-enter the workforce, as 77% of jobseekers do not have access to a car and 40% of unemployed people say a lack of transport has inhibited them from getting a job. Bus travel reduces the challenge of needing to be able to afford a car and fuel or rely on someone who owns a vehicle to get a job!
8. Social benefits
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   There are many social benefits to bus travel, and we are proud of the services we offer and the role they play in connecting people and providing links to education, employment, healthcare, and other social services. For example, young people are more reliant on the bus than any other group – more than 50% of 16–19-year-olds use the bus regularly. And some people deliberately catch the bus to have some human contact. Buses help our county to thrive by keeping local people connecting and strengthening community ties.
9. Improves the local economy
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   A good bus network boosts local economies by improving access to businesses and services. This increased accessibility can lead to higher footfall in local shops and businesses, thereby fostering economic growth.
10. Safety benefits
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    Statistically, travelling by public transport is safer than driving. Buses are operated by professional drivers and are subject to strict safety regulations, making them a secure choice for daily travel.

Embracing travelling by bus is a step towards a more sustainable, connected, and healthier way of living. Each journey contributes positively to both personal wellbeing, the environment, and the wider community.