The number of bus trips across the UK outside London increased by 8.7% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to the Department for Transport’s National Travel Survey.
According to the data, which was collected via interview and seven-day travel diaries, the average number of trips per person on local bus outside the capital over the year was 25.
This was up from 23 in 2022, although this was down on the corresponding value of 32 from 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
In London, bus usage stayed the same as for 2022 at 14 trips per person, versus 18 in 2019.
Historical data since 2002 shows a peak outside of London of 47 trips per person in 2003 and of 25 in London in 2010.
Coach usage is also captured by the survey in the form of “non-local” bus trips. However, the data is inconclusive as this figure has been a rounded 0 trips per person per year since 2018. Prior to that, it was rounded to 1 trip per person.
The same survey reveals how bus stands against other modes of transport in terms of post-pandemic recovery.
For example, car usage is at 96% of 2019 levels at 363 trips per person. London Underground trips have recovered to 86% with 18 trips. This weighs against the 78% for bus both outside London and in London.
The number of miles per person travelled by bus outside London was up 5.8% last year at 127.
The survey also revealed that 13% of people used local bus three or more times per week and 8% once or twice per week.
