Catch the Bus Month returns this September with a national myth-busting campaign designed to challenge outdated perceptions of bus travel and encourage more people to discover the benefits of getting on board.
Led by Bus Users UK and supported by lead partner, Trueform, the month-long campaign brings together operators, local authorities, community groups, businesses, charities and passengers across England, Scotland and Wales to celebrate the vital role buses play in connecting communities, supporting local economies and driving more sustainable travel.
This year’s campaign introduces a range of dynamic tools and resources to help organisations and passengers get involved, including an interactive Events Map showcasing activities taking place across the UK, and an online Journey Calculator that reveals the difference switching from car to bus can make on the environment and on your wallet.
The Journey Calculator allows users to estimate how much carbon dioxide and money they could save each year, how many car miles could be removed from the road, and the number of trees that would be needed to absorb the same amount of CO₂.
Campaign partners can upload the Calculator to their own websites and platforms, as well as posting their events and promotions directly onto the interactive Events Map.
The campaign launches today (1 September) in Lincolnshire at a special event hosted with Lincolnshire County Council and Bus Users UK. The Council has events and activities planned throughout the month encouraging residents to explore local bus services, support local businesses and discover the social, environmental, financial and health benefits of travelling by bus.
Lydia Horbury, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK, said:
“Too often, perceptions of bus travel are shaped by outdated assumptions rather than the reality of the service available today. Catch the Bus Month is about challenging those myths and helping people discover just how affordable, accessible, sustainable and convenient bus services really are.
“Whether you’re organising an event, promoting a local service, sharing your story or giving the bus a go for the first time, Catch the Bus Month is a chance to be part of a national movement celebrating the power of buses to connect people, strengthen communities and drive positive change.”
(Picture: Bus Users UK)
