Chapter 2: Bus and Coach Travel
Chapter 2: Bus and Coach Travel
1. Introduction
1.1 This chapter provides information on bus and coach travel, such as the numbers of passenger journeys and vehicle-kilometres, passenger receipts and local bus fare indices, the numbers of vehicles of various types and the numbers of staff employed.
1.2 Estimates of passenger numbers, receipts and fares are based on a survey by the DfT and are therefore subject to sampling error. Figures from 2004-05 onwards are based on an improved methodology and may not be directly comparable with previous years. See the Notes and Definitions section, page 225.
Key points
- 388 million journeys were made by bus in 2017-18. More than a third of these were made under the National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
- There were 1.4 million people with National Concessionary Travel cards in Scotland in 2018.
- The bus industry received £299 million in funding from Local or Central Government in 2017-18. Passenger revenue in 2017-18 stood at £385 million in Scotland.
2. Main Points
Vehicles & Passengers
2.1 Around 388 million passenger journeys were made by bus in Scotland in 2017-18. This is a decrease of 1.5 per cent on 2016-17 and a 20 per cent fall from a peak in 2007-08. Journeys under the National Concessionary Travel Scheme make up just over a third of this figure (35%). (Table 2.2a)
2.2 Although vehicle kilometres have risen by 2 per cent over the past five years, the distance covered fell in seven of the last ten years. (Table 2.3a)
2.3 There is further evidence of contraction in the industry with the number of buses in operators’ fleets falling by 10 per cent over the past five years, and an 2 per cent fall in the number of staff employed in the industry over the same period. (Table 2.1a and 2.4)
2.4 Although Great Britain as a whole, has seen passenger journeys fall by 5% over the past five years the fall for Scotland has been 8%. Great Britain vehicle kilometres fell by 7% compared to a 2% rise for Scotland. (Table 2.3a)
2.5 The picture of bus use in Scotland also contrasts with train travel in Scotland, which accounts for only a quarter of the passenger journeys made by bus but has seen steady increases in passenger numbers over the past few years. (Table SGB1)
2.6 Bus travel in the Southwest and Strathclyde and South East (corresponding to the Regional Transport Partnership areas of SPT, SWestrans (Dumfries and Galloway) and SEStran accounts for 83 per cent of bus journeys in Scotland. (Table 2.2b)
2.7 Bus use is higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas. The Scottish Household Survey travel diary shows 56 per cent of those who used the bus the previous day lived in large urban areas compared to three per cent of users living in remote rural areas. (This compares to population estimates of 35% living in large urban areas and 6% living in remote rural areas.) These figures are supported by the results of the more general question on bus use included in the Transport and Travel in Scotland publication which shows 60 per cent of respondents in large urban areas had used the bus in the last month compared to 21 per cent of those in remote rural areas. (Table 2.10)
Operator revenue
2.8 Bus operators in Scotland received £684 million in revenue in 2017-18, a decrease of 2 per cent on the previous year and a 3 per cent increase over the last 5 years. Adjusting for the effects of inflation total passenger revenue was 5 per cent less than 5 years ago. (Table 2.8)
2.9 Almost half (£299 million, 44%) of operator revenue came from Local or Central Government: through concessionary travel reimbursement, Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) or supported services. Passenger revenue (i.e. ticket sales to non-concessionary passengers) accounted for around 56 per cent of operators’ revenue (£385 million). Additional non-revenue support is excluded from these figures, specifically the Scottish Green Bus Fund and the Bus Investment Fund. (Table 2.8)
2.10 In real terms (adjusting for the effects of inflation), funding from Local and National Government is now 11 per cent lower than five years ago and overall passenger revenue is one percent more than 5 years ago. When looking at these figures it is necessary to consider the passenger number figures in Table 2.2a and the fares data in Table 2.5. Passenger revenue over the last five years has not increased due to an 8 per cent decrease in passengers, although fares have increased by 11 per cent above general inflation over the same period. (Table 2.8, 2.2a and 2.5)
Fares
2.11 Bus fares in Scotland have increased by 11 per cent in real terms (adjusting for the effects of inflation) over the past five years, while the increase for Great Britain was 6 per cent. In current prices, i.e. viewing fare increases in the way that a consumer would, fares have risen by almost 18 per cent over the past five years. The increase in current prices is higher than in Great Britain as a whole which has seen an increase of 14 per cent over the last five years. (Table 2.5)
Operator costs
2.12 Although operating costs for bus operators rose to a peak in 2011-12 they have since fallen in the past few years. Over the past five years operating costs per vehicle km have decreased by 9 per cent in real terms. Operating costs per journey over the same 5 year period have risen by 1 per cent from £1.55 per passenger journey to £1.56. Although the operating costs per vehicle km is lower than for the rest of GB (excluding London), operating costs per passenger journey remain higher in GB (£1.56 in Scotland, compared to £1.46 for GB excluding London). See also ‘Other sources of data’, as more detailed costs data is available from the Confederation of Passenger Transport. (Table 2.6 and 2.7)
Passenger Satisfaction
2.13 People were satisfied with most aspects of bus services that the Scottish Household Survey asked them about. (Table 2.11)
2.14 At least three quarters of respondents were satisfied with the extent to which buses ran to timetable; the cleanliness of buses; the ease of changing to other forms of transport; the ease of finding out route and timetable information; and the simplicity of deciding which ticket they need.
2.15 Respondents gave lower satisfaction scores for the extent to which buses were environmentally friendly (62%) and whether the fares were good value (61%).
2.16 Additionally there was a noticeable difference in those who felt safe on the bus during the day and in the evening. Ninety-three per cent of respondents agreed that they felt safe using the bus during the day compared to 70 per cent in the evening.
Concessionary Travel
2.17 The National Concessionary Travel Scheme for older and disabled people was rolled out across Scotland in April 2006. The scheme enables individuals aged 60+ or those with a disability (who meet certain criteria) to travel free on buses across Scotland. In some local authorities the card can be used on trains and ferries. There is also a scheme for young people, The Young Scot Card. Those aged 16 - 18, or full-time volunteers aged under 26 can use the card to get a third off adult single fares on bus services in Scotland, a third off rail travel and two free journeys to the mainland for islanders. 147,000 young people were eligible to access the travel concessions available through their Young Scot card in 2018. The young persons scheme is excluded from the analysis in paragraph 2.19 and 2.20 but is included in table 11.29. (Table 2.13)
2.18 Twenty eight per cent of young people (16-21) had a concessionary fare pass under the Scheme in 2017, and 87 per cent of those aged 60 or over had a pass. These proportions have changed little over the period since the introduction of the national scheme, though there has been a steady increase in pass holder numbers over the period. (Table 2.12 and 2.13)
2.19 The majority of pass holders (90%) in the older and disabled persons scheme hold a pass on the basis of age. Of those who have a pass for the disabled or visually impaired, 76% have a companion card which allows someone to travel with them on the bus. Card holder numbers by Local Authority are shown in Table 2.14. (Table 2.13)
2.20 Details of trips made on buses under the National Concessionary Travel Scheme are included in Table 2.2a. Further details of journeys made on all modes of transport under the National Schemes and current and previous Local schemes are shown in table 11.29. Bus journeys account for almost all (95%) of journeys made under the concessionary travel scheme. See the notes in Chapter 11 for more detail around what is included in this table.
Other sources of data (not National Statistics)
2.21 Some industry data are available, though as they are not produced by Government they are not National Statistics and do not comply with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. They are included here as an alternative information source which may be of interest to readers.
2.22 The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) publish a Cost Index on their website. This shows that wages, staffing and labour accounted for around 60% of operating costs, with fuel accounting for 16%. Total costs have been above inflation for the last few years.
2.23 The Office of the Traffic Commissioner are responsible for the licensing of the operators of buses and coaches and the registration of local bus services (routes). Statistics are published in the Traffic Commissioners’ Annual Reports. There were 27 cases of action taken at public inquiry for non-compliance (under the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981) in Scotland in 2017-18, sixteen more than in 2016-17.
Figure 2.1: Vehicle stock by type of vehicle
Figure 2.2: Passenger journeys (boardings) and vehicle-kilometres
Figure 2.3: Local bus fare indices
| 2008-09 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | ||||||||||
| Number of buses used as Public Service Vehicles | thousands | ||||||||||
| Scotland | 5.4 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4 | -10 |
| Great Britain | 42.8 | 42.4 | 42.3 | 42.0 | 42.1 | 41.7 | 40.7 | 40.3 | 40.1 | -1 | -4 |
| Average age of the bus fleet | |||||||||||
| Scotland | 8.3 | 7.8 | 8.5 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 6 | 3 |
| Great Britain | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 2 | 1 |
| Percentage of buses with CCTV | % | ||||||||||
| Scotland 3 | 45 | 54 | 58 | 65 | 67 | 72 | 78 | 82 | 90 | 10 | 39 |
| Great Britain | 60 | 70 | 72 | 77 | 80 | 84 | 87 | 90 | 91 | 1 | 18 |
| Percentage of bus fleet with automatic vehicle location (AVL) device | % | ||||||||||
| Scotland | 44 | 57 | 76 | 81 | 90 | 86 | 86 | 94 | 95 | 1 | 17 |
| Great Britain | 52 | 66 | 73 | 86 | 91 | 93 | 94 | 96 | 97 | 0 | 12 |
| Percentage of buses with live ITSO Smart-card readers | % | ||||||||||
| Scotland | … | 86 | 89 | 89 | 89 | 92 | 84 | 91 | 89 | -2 | 1 |
| Great Britain (outwith London)2 | … | 37 | 60 | 81 | 86 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 1 | 13 |
| Percentage of buses with live EMV readers that can accept contactless payment cards 4 | % | ||||||||||
| Scotland | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 4 | 42 | 836 | .. |
| Great Britain (outwith London)2 | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 38 | 62 | 62 | .. |
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1 This table covers all operators who run local bus services, including those who also do non-local work (e.g. private hire, school contracts). In previous years this table has also included operators who do solely non-local work. However, the Department for Transport no longer collects figures for these ‘non-local’ operators. In previous years non-local operators have accounted for around 8% of the Public Service Vehicles in use. Figures presented here will be lower than those previously published by a corresponding margin.
2 London buses (on local services) are equipped with non-ITSO (Oyster) smartcard readers.
3 Previous figures have been revised.
4 EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard, and Visa. Many credit and debit cards can now be used for contactless payments where card holders can pay for their bus fare by touching their card on a reader rather than typing in their pin number. Passengers may also use mobile phone apps such as Android Pay or Apple Pay. Excludes figures provided by a small number of operators whose vehicles were equipped but the readers were not live as at 31 March.
| 2008-09 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | ||||||||||
| Buses with accessibility certificate2 | |||||||||||
| Number (thousands) | 2.2 | 2.8 | 3.0 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4 | 24 |
| Percentage of all buses | 41 | 59 | 62 | 71 | 76 | 87 | 92 | 97 | 98 | ||
| Buses with low floor access3 | |||||||||||
| Number (thousands) | 1.56 | 1.10 | 1.05 | 0.74 | 0.59 | 0.30 | 0.16 | 0.05 | 0.02 | -63 | -98 |
| Percentage of all buses | 29 | 23 | 22 | 16 | 13 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | ||
| Total accessible or low-floor buses | |||||||||||
| Number (thousands) | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4 | 3 |
| Percentage of all buses | 70 | 82 | 84 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 95 | 98 | 98 | ||
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1This table covers all operators who run local bus services, including those who also do non-local work (e.g. private hire, school contracts). In previous years this table has also included operators who do solely non-local work. However, the Department for Transport no longer collects figures for these ‘non-local’ operators. In previous years non-local operators have accounted for around 8% of the Public Service Vehicles in use. Figures presented here will be lower than those previously published by a corresponding margin.
2 Buses which have an Accessibility certificate issued under the Disability Discrimination Act PSV Accessibility Regulations 2000 (DDA PSVAR 2000 Certificate)
3 Buses which do not have a DDA PSVAR 2000 Certificate but which have low floor designs, suitable for wheelchair access
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | ||||||||||||
| million | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 487 | 484 | 458 | 430 | 436 | 420 | 421 | 414 | 407 | 394 | 388 | -2 | -8 |
| Great Britain | 5,143 | 5,250 | 5,188 | 5,164 | 5,191 | 5,099 | 5,201 | 5,142 | 5,016 | 4,934 | 4,844 | -2 | -5 |
| Of which concessionary passengers | |||||||||||||
| Scotland3,4 | 154 | 155 | 153 | 147 | 149 | 146 | 149 | 146 | 143 | 143 | 136 | -5 | -7 |
| Great Britain5 | 1,643 | 1,740 | 1,772 | 1,772 | 1,803 | 1,764 | 1,794 | 1,759 | 1,714 | 1,695 | 1,646 | -3 | -7 |
| Percentage Concessionary passengers | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 32% | 32% | 33% | 34% | 34% | 35% | 35% | 35% | 35% | 36% | 35% | ||
| Great Britain | 32% | 33% | 34% | 34% | 35% | 35% | 35% | 34% | 34% | 34% | 34% | ||
| Annual growth rates | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 2% | -1% | -5% | -6% | 1% | -4% | 0% | -2% | -2% | -3% | -2% | ||
| Great Britain | 5% | 2% | -1% | 0% | 1% | -2% | 2% | -1% | -2% | -2% | -2% | ||
| Concessionary passengers | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | -1% | 1% | -1% | -4% | 2% | -2% | 2% | -2% | -2% | 0% | -5% | ||
| Great Britain | … | 6% | 2% | 0% | 2% | -2% | 2% | -2% | -3% | -1% | -3% | ||
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1 There is a break in the series in 2004/05 due to changes in the estimation methodology.
2 This table uses figures gathered through the Department for Transport's survey of PSV operators. Figures obtained from this source are revised as a matter of course and this table is likely to differ from previously published figures. Links to further information can be found on the Sources sheet.
3 Figures include a degree of estimation (e.g. allowances for claims not yet been processed) and may incur some small revisions to previously published data.
4 Administrative data collected by Transport Scotland in relation to the older and disabled persons scheme and the young persons scheme bus journeys. This is around2-5% different from Scotland level estimates calculated from DfT survey data.
5 Estimated from DfT survey data; this will not be directly comparable with administrative data for Scotland.
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | ||||||||||||
| million passenger journeys | |||||||||||||
| North East, Tayside and Central3 | 68 | 66 | 64 | 61 | 63 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 59 | 58 | 55 | -5 | -9 |
| Highlands, Islands and Shetland4 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | -6 | -20 |
| South East5 | 174 | 170 | 162 | 162 | 166 | 162 | 164 | 164 | 162 | 159 | 157 | -1 | -3 |
| South West and Strathclyde6 | 232 | 234 | 219 | 193 | 194 | 184 | 182 | 175 | 172 | 166 | 165 | 0 | -10 |
| Scotland | 487 | 484 | 458 | 430 | 436 | 420 | 421 | 414 | 407 | 394 | 388 | -2 | -8 |
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1 Regional groupings have been dictated by commercial sensitivities around the disclosure of bus operators' financial information.
2 This table uses figures gathered through the Department for Transport's survey of PSV operators. Figures obtained from this source are revised as a matter of course and this table is likely to differ from previously published figures. Links to further information can be found on the Sources sheet.
3 Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee City
4 Eilean Siar, Highland, Moray, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Argyll & Bute
5 Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, Edinburgh City, West Lothian
6 Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | ||||||||||||
| million vehicle kilometres | |||||||||||||
| Scotland3 | 397 | 386 | 377 | 346 | 338 | 327 | 332 | 336 | 338 | 335 | 333 | -1 | 2 |
| Commercial | 315 | 311 | 302 | 279 | 278 | 263 | 266 | 266 | 275 | 266 | 264 | -1 | 1 |
| Subsidised | 82 | 75 | 74 | 67 | 60 | 64 | 65 | 70 | 63 | 70 | 69 | -1 | 7 |
| Subsidised % of total | 20.6% | 19.3% | 19.7% | 19.3% | 17.8% | 19.7% | 19.7% | 21.0% | 18.7% | 20.8% | 20.7% | ||
| Annual growth rate | 3% | -3% | -2% | -8% | -2% | -3% | 1% | 1% | 1% | -1% | -1% | ||
| GB outwith London | 2,185 | 2,176 | 2,141 | 2,109 | 2,072 | 2,043 | 2,035 | 2,013 | 1,971 | 1,937 | 1,871 | -3 | -8 |
| Commercial | 1,681 | 1,666 | 1,627 | 1,609 | 1,624 | 1,626 | 1,644 | 1,649 | 1,649 | 1,646 | 1,596 | -3 | -2 |
| Subsidised | 504 | 510 | 514 | 501 | 447 | 417 | 391 | 364 | 321 | 291 | 274 | -6 | -34 |
| Subsidised % of total | 23.1% | 23.4% | 24.0% | 23.7% | 21.6% | 20.4% | 19.2% | 18.1% | 16.3% | 15.0% | 14.7% | ||
| Great Britain | 2,649 | 2,650 | 2,620 | 2,591 | 2,557 | 2,529 | 2,522 | 2,498 | 2,459 | 2,427 | 2,356 | -3 | -7 |
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1 There is a break in the series in 2004/05 due to changes in the estimation methodology.
2 This table uses figures gathered through the Department for Transport’s survey of PSV operators. Figures obtained from this source are revised as a matter of course and this table is likely to differ from previously published figures. Links to further information can be found on the Sources sheet.
3 Commercial and subsidised totals may not match Scotland totals due to rounding.
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | ||||||||||||
| Population | thousands | ||||||||||||
| Scotland | 5,144 | 5,169 | 5,194 | 5,222 | 5,255 | 5,314 | 5,328 | 5,348 | 5,373 | 5,405 | 5,425 | 0 | 2 |
| Great Britain | 59,227 | 59,263 | 60,003 | 60,462 | 61,426 | 61,881 | 62,276 | 62,756 | 65,110 | 63,786 | 64,169 | 1 | 4 |
| Vehicle kilometres per head of population | vehicle km per head | ||||||||||||
| Scotland | 77.2 | 74.6 | 72.5 | 66.3 | 64.3 | 61.5 | 62.3 | 62.9 | 63.0 | 62.0 | 61.4 | -1 | 0 |
| Great Britain | 44.7 | 44.7 | 43.7 | 42.8 | 41.6 | 40.9 | 40.5 | 39.8 | 37.8 | 38.0 | 36.7 | -3 | -10 |
| Ratio Scotland/GB | 1.73 | 1.67 | 1.66 | 1.55 | 1.55 | 1.51 | 1.54 | 1.58 | 1.67 | 1.63 | 1.67 | 3 | 11 |
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1 There is a break in the series in 2004/05 due to changes in the estimation methodology.
2 This table uses figures gathered through the Department for Transport’s survey of PSV operators. Figures obtained from this source are revised as a matter of course and this table is likely to differ from previously published figures. Links to further information can be found on the Sources sheet.
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | ||||||||||||
| million vehicle kilometres | |||||||||||||
| North East, Tayside & Central3 | 51 | 55 | 58 | 55 | 55 | 54 | 56 | 57 | 56 | 54 | 56 | 3 | 3 |
| Highlands, Islands & Shetland4 | 32 | 27 | 38 | 37 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 40 | 39 | 35 | 32 | -8 | -2 |
| South East5 | 117 | 118 | 106 | 104 | 102 | 101 | 103 | 100 | 99 | 99 | 101 | 2 | 0 |
| South West & Strathclyde6 | 189 | 186 | 175 | 151 | 148 | 139 | 141 | 140 | 145 | 146 | 143 | -2 | 3 |
| Scotland | 389 | 386 | 377 | 346 | 338 | 327 | 332 | 336 | 338 | 335 | 333 | -1 | 2 |
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1 Regional groupings have been dictated by commercial sensitivities around the disclosure of bus operators' financial information.
2 This table uses figures gathered through the Department for Transport’s survey of PSV operators. Figures obtained from this source are revised as a matter of course and this table is likely to differ from previously published figures. Links to further information can be found on the Sources sheet.
3 Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee City
4 Eilean Siar, Highland, Moray, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Argyll & Bute
5 Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, Edinburgh City, West Lothian
6 Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | |||||||||||||
| thousand | ||||||||||||||
| Platform staff 3 | 11.5 | 11.4 | 11.1 | 10.7 | 10.6 | 10.1 | 10.4 | 10.5 | 10.4 | 10.0 | 10.3 | 3 | 2 | |
| Maintenance and other staff 3 | ||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | 2.4 | 2.2 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1 | -15 | |
| Other | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | -1 | -7 | |
| Total | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.5 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 0 | -12 | |
| All staff | 15.5 | 15.2 | 14.6 | 14.0 | 14.3 | 13.8 | 14.0 | 14.0 | 13.9 | 13.2 | 13.5 | 2 | -2 | |
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1. Figures relate to the financial year end.
2. Figures for local operators only (including those doing some non-local work)
3. Staff are classified according to their main occupation as some may have more than one function.
4. Break in the series due to changes in the estimation methodology from 2004/05
5. Previously published figures have been revised.
| 2005=100 | |||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | ||||||||||||
| At current prices | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 116.7 | 126.5 | 129.5 | 132.2 | 139.1 | 145.1 | 149.8 | 153.2 | 157.6 | 163.6 | 171.9 | 5 | 18 |
| Great Britain | 113.4 | 123.1 | 129.0 | 135.2 | 143.4 | 150.1 | 154.7 | 159.7 | 162.6 | 165.6 | 170.7 | 3 | 14 |
| At constant prices 2 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 108.5 | 114.4 | 113.3 | 111.1 | 113.0 | 114.7 | 116.5 | 119.2 | 122.0 | 123.8 | 126.9 | 3 | 11 |
| Great Britain | 105.4 | 111.3 | 112.8 | 113.6 | 116.5 | 118.6 | 120.3 | 124.2 | 125.9 | 125.3 | 126.0 | 1 | 6 |
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1. Fares at March of each year
2. Adjusted for general inflation, using the Retail Prices Index.
| 2004-05 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | |||||||||||||
| At 2017-18 Prices (including depreciation) | Pence per Vehicle Kilometre | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 151 | 155 | 171 | 175 | 181 | 201 | 200 | 197 | 191 | 185 | 187 | 183 | -2 | -9 |
| GB outwith London3 | 162 | 181 | 188 | 193 | 193 | 201 | 201 | 202 | 203 | 205 | 204 | 205 | 0 | 2 |
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1 Adjusted for general inflation using the GDP market price deflator.
2 This table uses figures gathered through the Department for Transport’s survey of PSV operators. Figures obtained from this source are revised as a matter of course and this table is likely to differ from previously published figures. Links to further information can be found on the Sources sheet.
3 Buses in London operate under a different regulatory model to the rest of the country, and comparisons on an operating costs basis between London and the rest of the country would have little meaning. London figures are therefore excluded from this table.
| 2004-05 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | |||||||||||||
| At 2017-18 Prices (including depreciation) | Pence per passenger journey | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 106 | 126 | 137 | 144 | 145 | 155 | 155 | 154 | 155 | 154 | 159 | 156 | -1 | 1 |
| GB outwith London3 | 114 | 133 | 135 | 140 | 140 | 145 | 148 | 147 | 147 | 149 | 146 | 146 | 0 | -1 |
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1 Adjusted for general inflation using the GDP market price deflator.
2 This table uses figures gathered through the Department for Transport’s survey of PSV operators. Figures obtained from this source are revised as a matter of course and this table is likely to differ from previously published figures. Links to further information can be found on the Sources sheet.
3 Buses in London operate under a different regulatory model to the rest of the country, and comparisons on an operating costs basis between London and the rest of the country would have little meaning. London figures are therefore excluded from this table.
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | ||||||||||||
| Current prices | £ Million | ||||||||||||
| Passenger revenue | |||||||||||||
| Scotland3 | 320 | 337 | 331 | 329 | 340 | 351 | 363 | 357 | 370 | 396 | 385 | -3 | 10 |
| Great Britain5 | 2,974 | 3,071 | 3,158 | 3,301 | 3,444 | 3,575 | 3,705 | 3,763 | 3,737 | 3,691 | 3,686 | 0 | 3 |
| Government support4 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 276 | 296 | 312 | 295 | 299 | 311 6 | 299 6 | 298 | 301 | 298 | 299 | 0 | -4 |
| Total passenger revenue4 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 597 | 633 | 643 | 623 | 640 | 661 6 | 662 6 | 655 | 671 | 695 | 684 | -2 | 3 |
| 2017-18 Prices (Adjusted for general inflation using the GDP market price deflator.) | |||||||||||||
| Passenger revenue | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 380 | 389 | 377 | 368 | 375 | 380 | 386 | 375 | 385 | 404 | 385 | -5 | 1 |
| Great Britain | 3,532 | 3,550 | 3,600 | 3,695 | 3,805 | 3,872 | 3,940 | 3,950 | 3,893 | 3,761 | 3,686 | -2 | -5 |
| Government support4 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 328 | 342 | 356 | 330 | 331 | 336 6 | 318 6 | 313 | 314 | 304 | 299 | -2 | -11 |
| Total passenger revenue4 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 707 | 732 | 733 | 698 | 706 | 7166 | 7046 | 688 | 699 | 708 | 684 | -3 | -5 |
Source: DfT Bus Statistics
1. Passenger fare receipts only include fare receipts retained by bus operators. On some tendered or supported services, fare receipts are passed to the local authority.
2. This table uses figures gathered through the Department for Transport’s survey of PSV operators. Figures obtained from this source are revised as a matter of course and this table is likely to differ from previously published figures. Links to further information can be found on the Sources sheet.
3. Until 2003-04, receipts for local bus services include concessionary fare reimbursement from local authorities. From 2004-05 this only includes fare reciepts retained by bus operators. On some tendered or supported services, fare receipts are passed to the local authority.
4. Government support includes Bus Service Operators Grant, Concessionary Bus Travel and Local Authority gross costs incurred in support of bus services. The National Concessionary Travel scheme was introduced in April 2006. Figures for Government support prior to this include all modes of concessionary travel so are not comparable with later years.
5. DfT have yet to publish this figure for 2012-13 due to delays in Department for Communities and Local Government publishing Government Support figures for 2012-13. This will be updated in the online version of these tables.
6. The figures for 2012/13 Include an additional transitional assistance of £10 million for concessionary fares and £3 million for bus service operators grant towards the costs of bus operators by way of grant made under section 38 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001. Concessionary fares for 2013/14 also included transitional assistance of £1.7 million.
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change over | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years | ||||||||||||
| Current Prices | £ Million | ||||||||||||
| Local Authority bus support 2 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland 11 | 53 | 53 | 61 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 59 | 57 | 59 | 52 | 53 | 3 | -9 |
| Great Britain 8 | 1,217 | 1,342 | 1,318 | 1,145 | 1,084 | 1,038 | 1,094 | 1,071 | 1,069 | 1,119 | 1,130 | 1 | 9 |
| GB outwith London 8 | 555 | 617 | 626 | 581 | 565 | 538 | 538 | 484 | 448 | 460 | 447 | -3 | -17 |
| Concessionary fares | |||||||||||||
| Scotland (bus)3 | 163 | 180 | 187 | 175 | 181 | 19910 | 19010 | 190 | 189 | 194 | 195 | 1 | -2 |
| Scotland (all modes) | 173 | 193 | 202 | 183 | 188 | 20410 | 19510 | 198 | 196 | 196 | 197 | 1 | -3 |
| Great Britain (bus)5,6,8 | 1,027 | 1,172 | 1,224 | 1,246 | 1,248 | 1,282 | 1,304 | 1,313 | 1,309 | 1,297 | 1,259 | -3 | -2 |
| GB outwith London (bus)5,6,8 | 851 | 991 | 1,041 | 1,055 | 1,038 | 1,062 | 1,070 | 1,074 | 1,071 | 1,068 | 1,040 | -3 | -2 |
| Great Britain (all modes)5,6,8 | 1,037 | 1,185 | 1,239 | 1,254 | 1,254 | 1,284 | 1,306 | 1,321 | 1,316 | 1,299 | 1,261 | -3 | -2 |
| GB outwith London (all modes)5,6,8 | 861 | 1,004 | 1,056 | 1,063 | 1,045 | 1,064 | 1,072 | 1,082 | 1,078 | 1,070 | 1,042 | -3 | -2 |
| Bus Service Operators Grant7 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 60 | 63 | 64 | 63 | 60 | 5310 | 50 | 51 | 53 | 53 | 51 | -3 | -4 |
| Great Britain 12 | 472 | 504 | 515 | 505 | 512 | 415 | 348 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. |
| GB outwith London 12 | 369 | 391 | 403 | 397 | 401 | 327 | 306 | 302 | 306 | 304 | 300 | -1 | -8 |
| All government support 9 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland (bus) | 276 | 296 | 312 | 295 | 299 | 31110 | 29910 | 298 | 301 | 298 | 299 | 0 | -4 |
| Scotland (all modes) | 286 | 309 | 327 | 303 | 306 | 31610 | 30410 | 306 | 308 | 300 | 301 | 0 | -5 |
| Great Britain (bus)6,8,12 | 2,716 | 3,017 | 3,056 | 2,896 | 2,843 | 2,739 | 2,735 | 2,686 | 2,685 | 2,720 | 2,689 | -1 | -2 |
| GB outwith London (bus)6,8,12 | 1,775 | 1,998 | 2,069 | 2,033 | 2,004 | 1,929 | 1,907 | 1,918 | 1,885 | 1,883 | 1,841 | -2 | -5 |
| Great Britain (all modes)6,8,12 | 2,725 | 3,030 | 3,071 | 2,904 | 2,851 | 2,730 | 2,748 | 2,694 | 2,692 | 2,722 | 2,691 | -1 | -1 |
| GB outwith London (all modes)6,8,12 | 1,784 | 2,011 | 2,084 | 2,041 | 2,011 | 1,920 | 1,920 | 1,868 | 1,832 | 1,833 | 1,790 | -2 | -7 |
| 2017-18 Prices (Adjusted for general inflation using the GDP market price deflator) | |||||||||||||
| Local Authority bus support2 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 63 | 62 | 70 | 64 | 64 | 63 | 63 | 60 | 62 | 53 | 53 | 1 | -16 |
| Great Britain 8 | 1,446 | 1,551 | 1,503 | 1,282 | 1,198 | 1,124 | 1,163 | 1,125 | 1,114 | 1,140 | 1,130 | -1 | 0 |
| GB outwith London 8 | 660 | 713 | 713 | 650 | 625 | 582 | 572 | 508 | 467 | 468 | 447 | -5 | -23 |
| Concessionary fares | |||||||||||||
| Scotland (bus)3 | 194 | 208 | 213 | 196 | 200 | 21610 | 20210 | 200 | 197 | 198 | 195 | -1 | -10 |
| Scotland (all modes)4 | 206 | 223 | 230 | 205 | 208 | 22110 | 20710 | 208 | 204 | 200 | 197 | -1 | -11 |
| Great Britain (bus)5,6,8 | 1,220 | 1,355 | 1,395 | 1,395 | 1,378 | 1,388 | 1,386 | 1,379 | 1,363 | 1,322 | 1,259 | -5 | -9 |
| GB outwith London (bus)5,6,8 | 1,011 | 1,146 | 1,187 | 1,181 | 1,146 | 1,150 | 1,137 | 1,128 | 1,115 | 1,088 | 1,040 | -4 | -10 |
| Great Britain (all modes)5,6,8 | 1,231 | 1,370 | 1,412 | 1,404 | 1,386 | 1,390 | 1,389 | 1,387 | 1,370 | 1,324 | 1,261 | -5 | -9 |
| GB outwith London (all modes)5,6,8 | 1,022 | 1,161 | 1,203 | 1,190 | 1,154 | 1,152 | 1,140 | 1,136 | 1,122 | 1,090 | 1,042 | -4 | -10 |
| Bus Service Operators Grant7 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland | 71 | 73 | 73 | 70 | 66 | 5710 | 53 | 53 | 55 | 54 | 51 | -5 | -11 |
| Great Britain 12 | 561 | 583 | 587 | 565 | 565 | 449 | 371 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. |
| GB outwith London 12 | 439 | 452 | 460 | 444 | 443 | 355 | 326 | 317 | 319 | 310 | 301 | -3 | -15 |
| All government support 9 | |||||||||||||
| Scotland (bus) | 328 | 342 | 356 | 330 | 331 | 33610 | 31810 | 313 | 314 | 304 | 299 | -2 | -11 |
| Scotland (all modes) | 340 | 357 | 373 | 339 | 339 | 34210 | 32310 | 322 | 321 | 306 | 301 | -2 | -12 |
| Great Britain (bus)6,8,12 | 3,226 | 3,489 | 3,485 | 3,241 | 3,141 | 2,966 | 2,908 | 2,820 | 2,796 | 2,772 | 2,689 | -3 | .. |
| GB outwith London (bus)6,8,12 | 2,108 | 2,310 | 2,359 | 2,275 | 2,214 | 2,088 | 2,027 | 2,013 | 1,963 | 1,919 | 1,841 | -4 | -12 |
| Great Britain (all modes)6,8,12 | 3,236 | 3,504 | 3,502 | 3,250 | 3,149 | 2,956 | 2,922 | 2,829 | 2,804 | 2,774 | 2,691 | -3 | .. |
| GB outwith London (all modes)6,8,12 | 2,119 | 2,326 | 2,376 | 2,284 | 2,222 | 2,079 | 2,042 | 1,961 | 1,909 | 1,868 | 1,790 | -4 | -14 |
1 This table includes some figures gathered through the Department for Transport’s survey of PSV operators. Figures obtained from this source are revised as a matter of course and this table is likely to differ from previously published figures. Links to further information can be found on the Sources sheet.
2 Total of all local authorities' gross costs incurred in support of bus services, either directly or by subsidies to operators or individuals.
3 Figures refer to Transport Scotland spending on elderly, disabled and youth schemes. Prior to the centralisation of funding in 2006/07 it is not possible split out spending on bus schemes alone. Small revisions have been made to the years 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15
4 Includes Local Authority spending.
5 GB figures cover the total of all local authorities' net costs of concessionary bus travel and include funding for taxi tokens as well as administation costs.
6 There is no information on concessionary spending for 'other' modes in England and Wales. Therefore, the only difference between the GB (bus) and GB (all modes) figures will be a result of the differences in the Scotland concessionary
7 Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) is a subsidy provided by Central Government to operators of local bus services.
8 Statistics for Concessionary Fare spend and Local Authority support for bus for England are published by Department for Communities and Local Government. Figures for Great Britain are calculated by combining the England, Wales and Scotland figures.
9 Totals exclude 'non-revenue' funding, specifically the Scottish Green Bus Fund and the Bus Investment Fund.
10 The figures for 2012/13 Include an additional transitional assistance of £10 million for concessionary fares and £3 million for bus service operators grant towards the costs of bus operators by way of grant made under section 38 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001. Concessionary fares for 2013/14 also included transitional assistance of £1.7 million.
11 Local Authority Transport Undertakings - Buses was added to the LFR 03 return in 2008/09. Data is not available for previous years and the total expenditure for 2007/08 is not comparable with later years.
12 BSOG in London now forms part of their public support grant (from October 2013).
| 2007 1,2 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| by gender: | column percentages | ||||||||||
| Male | 39 | 41 | 43 | 38 | 41 | 40 | 42 | 46 | 45 | 39 | 42 |
| Female | 61 | 59 | 57 | 62 | 59 | 60 | 58 | 54 | 55 | 61 | 58 |
| by age: | |||||||||||
| 16-19 | 10 | 13 | 9 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 10 |
| 20-29 | 24 | 20 | 23 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 21 |
| 30-39 | 15 | 9 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| 40-49 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 12 |
| 50-59 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 14 |
| 60-69 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 18 | 15 |
| 70-79 | 9 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 80 and over | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| by current status: | |||||||||||
| Self employed | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Employed full time | 34 | 34 | 34 | 29 | 34 | 29 | 28 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 |
| Employed part time | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 |
| Looking after the home or family | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Permanently retired from work | 24 | 27 | 24 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 23 | 24 | 27 | 26 |
| Unemployed and seeking work | 3 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 7 |
| At school | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| In further/higher education | 10 | 8 | 9 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 8 | 12 |
| Gov't work or training scheme | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Permanently sick or disabled | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Unable to work because of short-term illness or injury | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.1 | 1 | 0 |
| by journey purpose 2: | |||||||||||
| Commuting | 29 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 24 | 30 | 29 |
| Education | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 8 |
| Shopping | 29 | 29 | 26 | 28 | 21 | 25 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 27 | 30 |
| Visit hospital or other health | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| On other personal business | 6 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Visiting friends or relatives | 8 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| Sport/Entertainment | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Go home | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 9 | … | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| Other purpose | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 18 | 11 | 19 | 8 | 8 |
| by annual net household income: | |||||||||||
| up to £10,000 p.a. | 21 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 22 | 14 | 13 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 13 |
| £10,000 - £15,000 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 21 | 18 | 21 | 24 |
| £15,000 - £20,000 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 17 | 15 |
| £20,000 - £25,000 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 |
| £25,000 - £30,000 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 11 |
| £30,000 - £40,000 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 |
| over £40,000 p.a. | 6 | 7 | 6 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| by urban/rural classification: | |||||||||||
| Large urban areas | 60 | 62 | 61 | 58 | 62 | 61 | 61 | 57 | 56 | 55 | 56 |
| Other urban | 25 | 24 | 23 | 26 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 24 | 30 | 30 | 28 |
| Small accessible towns | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Small remote towns | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Accessible rural | 7 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| Remote rural | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| by frequency of driving: | |||||||||||
| Every day | 7 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 5 |
| At least three times a week | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| Once or twice a week | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| Less often | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Never, but holds full driving licence | 9 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Does not hold a full driving licence | 68 | 70 | 69 | 72 | 67 | 67 | 72 | 67 | 71 | 68 | 73 |
| by whether or not respondent has concessionary travel pass 3: | |||||||||||
| Yes | 29 | 33 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 40 | 35 |
| No | 71 | 67 | 67 | 66 | 65 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 60 | 65 |
| Sample size (=100%) | 1,854 | 1,893 | 1,615 | 1,438 | 1,565 | 1,536 | 1,685 | 1,632 | 1,690 | 1,480 | 1,477 |
Source: Scottish Household Survey
1 Prior to 2007 only journeys over 1/4 mile were recorded. Since 2007 all journeys are recorded. This creates a discontinuity in the time series between 2006 and 2007.
2 From 2007 onwards, two new categories, 'Go home' and 'Just go for a walk', were added. 'Go home' has been separated out in this table but 'Just go for a walk' has not as these are largely going to be walking (only) journeys.
3 Sample size in 2003 was 2,004 as this data was not collected in quarter 1; sample size in 2006 was 2,181 as a new concessionary scheme was introduced in April 2006.
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2014 | 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage agreeing with each statement | ||||||||
| Buses run to timetable 2 | 71 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 74 | 78 | 75 |
| Buses are frequent | 77 | 79 | 80 | 80 | 79 | |||
| Service runs when I need it | 71 | 74 | 75 | 74 | 74 | |||
| Journey times are reasonable | 85 | |||||||
| Bus service is stable and not regulary changing | 80 | 80 | 79 | 80 | 78 | 83 | 80 | |
| Buses are clean | 72 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 80 | 78 | 79 | |
| Buses are comfortable | 73 | 74 | 77 | 78 | ||||
| Buses are environmentally friendly | 56 | 66 | 62 | |||||
| I feel personally safe and secure4 | 80 | 81 | ||||||
| Feel safe/secure on bus during day4 | 91 | 91 | 94 | 93 | 94 | 93 | ||
| Feel safe/secure on bus during the evening4 | 58 | 59 | 63 | 62 | 69 | 70 | ||
| Simple deciding what ticket I need | 87 | 87 | 86 | 88 | 89 | 89 | 89 | 88 |
| Finding out about routes and times is easy | 77 | 79 | 81 | 81 | 82 | 84 | 86 | 83 |
| Easy to change from buses to other forms of transport | 69 | 71 | 71 | 73 | 76 | 75 | 75 | 76 |
| Bus fares are good value | 63 | 58 | 57 | 59 | 59 | 55 | 60 | 61 |
| Sample Size | 2,697 | 2,846 | 2,902 | 2,833 | 2,984 | 4,068 | 4,070 | 3,910 |
Source: Scottish Household Survey
1 SHS data. Question asked of adults (16+), who have used the bus in the previous month
2 prior to 2012, question asked 'buses are on time'
3 Changes to the questionnaire have been made between years so some response options are removed and new ones added
4 The question about feeling safe and secure on the bus was split in 2009 to ask about during the day and in the evening.
5 This question was last asked in 2016. It will be asked again in alternate years from 2019.
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cell percentages | |||||||||||
| All adults aged 16+ | 28 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 28 |
| All adults aged 60+ | 82 | 84 | 87 | 87 | 87 | 88 | 86 | 87 | 87 | 87 | 87 |
| Age band | |||||||||||
| 16 - 39 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 40 - 49 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| 50 - 59 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| 60 - 64 | 75 | 75 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 75 | 75 | 74 | 75 | 74 |
| 65 - 69 | 83 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 88 | 91 | 90 | 91 | 90 | 90 | 89 |
| 70 - 74 | 85 | 89 | 92 | 91 | 93 | 92 | 92 | 91 | 93 | 93 | 91 |
| 75 - 79 | 86 | 89 | 92 | 93 | 91 | 94 | 90 | 93 | 92 | 93 | 93 |
| 80 + | 81 | 85 | 87 | 87 | 90 | 88 | 89 | 91 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
Source: Scottish Household Survey
'1 The question started thus: "do you have a concessionary travel pass which allows you to travel free of charge …"
' The remainer of the question depended upon the national minimum concessionary fare arrangements that applied at the time
- From April 2003 to March 2006, the question concluded: "…. on off-peak local bus services"
- From April 2006, the question concluded: "… on scheduled bus services"
** Figures for 2006 relate to the period from April to December, as new concessionary fare arrangements were introduced in April 2006
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 4 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card type | ||||||||
| 60+ | 1,049,490 | 1,074,616 | 1,141,214 | 1,142,923 | 1,170,709 | 1,146,751 | 1,156,063 | 1,203,751 |
| Disabled | 60,866 | 61,660 | 43,979 | 44,381 | 43,590 | 41,348 | 39,384 | 37,228 |
| Disabled + companion | 105,325 | 109,680 | 93,619 | 96,253 | 106,078 | 111,486 | 118,217 | 123,786 |
| Visually impaired | 4,790 | 4,751 | 4,188 | 4,092 | 4,041 | 3,921 | 3,826 | 3,787 |
| Visually impaired + companion | 11,373 | 11,554 | 10,223 | 10,102 | 10,099 | 9,745 | 9,592 | 9,546 |
| All cards | 1,231,844 | 1,262,261 | 1,293,223 | 1,297,751 | 1,334,517 | 1,313,251 | 1,327,082 | 1,378,098 |
| Young persons scheme (16-18) | 131,210 | 152,626 | 152,473 | 151,767 | 149,790 | 147,410 | ||
Source: Transport Scotland
1 As at October in each year, with the exception of 2009 where the figure is as at February
2 Figures for 2007 and 2008 should be interpreted with caution, due to possible double-counting in one Local Authority
3 This table displays changes over time at a national level. For the most up to date figures at national and Local Authority level consult table 23
4 The new supplier of the National Entitlement Card programme is able to provide a more detailed split of card holder eligibility than Transport Scotland received previously. As well as being able to better identify eligibility, the new reports also identify duplicate cards ie where a customer has a card due to expire at the end of the month and a replacement has been issued, so these can now be excluded from the totals. These changes mean that data for 2013 onwards is not directly comparable with earlier years. Figures for Young Scot disability cards were mistakenly excluded from the figures for 2013. The figures have now been corrected.
| Disabled | Disabled + companion | Visually impaired | Visually impaired + companion | 60+ | All card holders | |
| All Scotland | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen City | 2,034 | 3,897 | 266 | 261 | 43,924 | 50,382 |
| Aberdeenshire | 1,388 | 2,788 | 223 | 343 | 57,926 | 62,668 |
| Angus | 838 | 1,881 | 86 | 141 | 29,925 | 32,871 |
| Argyll and Bute | 502 | 1,640 | 58 | 205 | 26,272 | 28,677 |
| Clackmannanshire | 352 | 987 | 18 | 66 | 11,288 | 12,711 |
| Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar | 116 | 265 | 11 | 18 | 7,980 | 8,390 |
| Dumfries and Galloway | 685 | 2,554 | 95 | 208 | 39,393 | 42,935 |
| Dundee City | 1,102 | 4,886 | 153 | 335 | 31,749 | 38,225 |
| East Ayrshire | 939 | 3,467 | 77 | 253 | 27,656 | 32,392 |
| East Dunbartonshire | 473 | 1,494 | 85 | 160 | 28,647 | 30,859 |
| East Lothian | 673 | 1,770 | 56 | 144 | 25,874 | 28,517 |
| East Renfrewshire | 401 | 1,321 | 62 | 134 | 22,173 | 24,091 |
| Edinburgh | 4,118 | 10,387 | 260 | 663 | 105,280 | 120,708 |
| Falkirk | 1,207 | 3,036 | 94 | 255 | 33,365 | 37,957 |
| Fife | 2,179 | 10,837 | 318 | 708 | 89,126 | 103,168 |
| Glasgow | 6,344 | 23,116 | 374 | 1,328 | 101,549 | 132,711 |
| Highland | 1,272 | 3,761 | 51 | 413 | 58,779 | 64,276 |
| Inverclyde | 595 | 2,987 | 74 | 236 | 18,919 | 22,811 |
| Midlothian | 596 | 2,152 | 37 | 126 | 20,574 | 23,485 |
| Moray | 563 | 1,249 | 82 | 131 | 22,685 | 24,710 |
| North Ayrshire | 901 | 3,773 | 128 | 406 | 35,673 | 40,881 |
| North Lanarkshire | 2,108 | 8,375 | 174 | 643 | 66,345 | 77,645 |
| Orkney Islands | 108 | 551 | 2 | 36 | 6,022 | 6,719 |
| Perth and Kinross | 740 | 2,348 | 194 | 279 | 37,873 | 41,434 |
| Renfrewshire | 1,350 | 4,389 | 133 | 397 | 39,667 | 45,936 |
| Scottish Borders | 711 | 1,495 | 97 | 173 | 30,622 | 33,098 |
| Shetland Islands | 151 | 473 | 7 | 18 | 5,725 | 6,374 |
| South Ayrshire | 687 | 2,684 | 111 | 248 | 32,275 | 36,005 |
| South Lanarkshire | 1,763 | 7,237 | 256 | 635 | 71,469 | 81,360 |
| Stirling | 493 | 1,431 | 66 | 127 | 19,371 | 21,488 |
| West Dunbartonshire | 827 | 2,679 | 66 | 188 | 20,308 | 24,068 |
| West Lothian | 1,012 | 3,876 | 73 | 268 | 35,317 | 40,546 |
Source: Transport Scotland
1 This table provides the most up to date figure for the number of concessionary passes on issue at Local Authority and national level. Table 2.13 displays changes over time at a national level.