A study by Stagecoach proves that its buses remain better value travel than commuting by car.
Its research coincides with a national campaign highlighting value and flexibility of Stagecoach’s weekly tickets, with unlimited 7-day bus travel for around £2 per day.
It says that by leaving the car at home, on average using weekly tickets can save £1,200 a year. In Scotland and the South East, the saving rises to £2,600.
It says that people who choose to leave their car at home are an average of £1,259 better off a year.
It says that would be enough to cover the entire annual energy costs for a three- or four-bedroom house.
Alternatively, the average savings could pay for a family holiday, home improvements or provide more money to put towards the monthly shopping budget
The research covered 35 key commuter routes in England, Scotland and Wales. It compared the weekly price of bus, with the cost of fuel and car parking for the same journeys. It ignored all other car ownership related costs.
Stagecoach’s findings come as the latest Office of National Statistics research showed a 3% rise in the number of households that own a car or van between 2016 and 2017.
However, research by campaign group Greener Journeys last year warned of the damaging impact of congestion within towns and cities across the UK. The research by Professor David Begg revealed that average traffic speeds in Britain’s busiest cities are set to fall to just 12mph by 2030 as traffic delays are expected to double over the next decade.
Says Stagecoach Bus MD England and Wales Mark Threapleton: “Unfortunately, along with other road users, our customers are being affected by the serious issue of traffic congestion which reduces the reliability of bus services, pushes up fares, reduces air quality and undermines the attractiveness of bus travel.
“We are investing in continued improvements for our customers but we need those responsible for road infrastructure to match that commitment by freeing up road space to let buses flourish.”
Stagecoach has invested £1bn in new vehicles over the past 11 years, with £70m invested in 350 new buses and coaches in the past year alone.
Find out more: Study results here
