Understanding Buses

For a whole variety of reasons, the bus industry continues to be of vital importance to the UK. It remains central to the economy, to plans to combat climate change and pollution, and to policies regarding social inclusion and accessibility. Yet, public and political comment on the industry continues to betray a lack of understanding and, it often seems, a degree of prejudice.This book offers a clear, non-technical, jargon-free explanation of how the bus industry works. The chapters examine:The costs of operation - what the components are and what drives them, particularly understanding the crucial importance of speed and predictabilityThe revenue earned - how much is needed to enable operators to meet their three key objectivesto cover their coststo meet their financial obligationsto invest in the futureThe need for profit - why operators need to make a surplus and what they do with itThe principal drivers of demand for bus servicesThe bus product - its various attributes and why they are importantThe competitive environment in which the industry operatesThe customer interface - researching, listening and communicating with bus usersTrends in fares and ticketingPublic spending on buses