Impacts on travel behaviour

• People used the bus more often because of the Scheme (and would use it less if they did not have the NEC)
• The Scheme had encouraged modal shift away from car and taxi use, with car use likely to increase if the Scheme was removed
• Little change reported in levels of walking and train travel
• The Scheme encouraged more frequent travel and travel to new and different destinations

Behaviour if there was no Scheme

Survey respondents were asked to consider how they would travel if they did not have the free bus pass. Table 12 shows that just over a third (36%) would make the same trip using another mode of travel. Of these respondents, most (69%, n=500) said they would most likely travel by car instead (see Annex - Table 15).

Table 12 Thinking about your main journey purpose in the last 12 months, what would you do if the free bus pass was not available? (survey respondents)

Note: six respondents did not answer this question.

Among those with an over 60 card (see Annex - Table 16), those aged 80+ would be more likely to continue using the bus and pay for a ticket (42%) compared to around a quarter of those across all other age groups. Those in the younger age groups would be more likely to use another mode of transport (47% for both 60-64 and 65-69 year olds) compared to older cardholders (33% of those aged 80+). While the sample sizes in several age groups were too small to make reliable comparisons regarding which alternative mode would be used, the most common response remained a car, with around three quarters of each age group selecting this option.

Survey respondents were also asked to consider all the journeys they make by bus and indicate if there were any they would make less often if they did not have the free bus pass. Table 13 shows that across all journey purposes the majority of respondents would either use the bus less or not at all if they did not have the free bus pass. The proportions of respondents that would continue to use the bus as often as they do currently, ranged from just 14% for day trips and holidays, to 39% for health and medical appointments/services.

Table 13 Are there any bus trips that you would not make, or would make less often if you did not have the free bus pass? (survey respondents)

Note: those who said they did not know have been removed from the above analysis.

Impact on different mode use

Survey respondents were also asked whether the free bus pass had changed how often they travelled by different modes of transport. Table 14 outlines the results, and shows that most respondents (81%) felt they used the bus more often because of the free bus pass. In addition, nearly two thirds (61%) felt they used a private car less often, while just over half (55%) said they used taxis less often. There were more mixed responses in relation to the use of trains and walking.

Table 14 Thinking about all the travel you make, do you think that the free bus pass changed how often you travel by each of the following modes of transport? (survey respondents)

When the results were disaggregated by card type (see Annex - Tables 17-21):

• There were no real differences in travel by bus or walking between those with an over 60 card and disabled cardholders.
• Those with a disabled card were slightly more likely to travel by train more often (23%) compared to those with an over 60 card (17%).
• Those with a disabled card were more likely to travel by taxi less often (61%) compared to those with an over 60 card (51%).
• Those with an over 60 card were more likely to travel by private car/ van less often (64%) compared to those with a disabled card (53%).

Several focus group participants also reported that they used the bus more after receiving the NEC than they had done beforehand. This was mainly because it was free and they wanted to realise the cost-savings offered. However, changes in the frequency with which the Scheme was used over time also varied greatly. Some, who were currently regular users, had always been so. Meanwhile, others reported that their use had increased with their confidence over time, i.e. as they became more familiar with how the buses operated, the routes available, timings, etc. Very few said that their use had decreased over time, with exceptions for health reasons and for those in areas where there had been cuts to bus services.

In relation to cardholders’ use of other modes, both survey and focus group participants noted that the Scheme had reduced the need for, and the costs associated with taxis. While several focus group participants explained that they were still reliant on taxis for some journeys (where suitable bus routes did not exist), the bus gave them the option to avoid what they perceived as costly and sometimes stressful taxi journeys (by being driven by a stranger).

Several focus group participants noted a preference for using the train, particularly when travelling on longer journeys. This was mainly because they viewed trains as being faster, more efficient, more comfortable, more accessible, and having better facilities. Comments were also made in several focus groups that the assistance provided by train staff to those with disabilities was very good, and that this gave them added confidence to travel that way (instead of by bus). The choice between using either bus or train was also often linked to timings and whether people needed to be at a certain place at a certain time.

Several survey respondents also highlighted that they were able to use the NEC on other modes of transport, such as the train, the subway, the tram, and ferries, where discounted or free travel was supported. As a result, they said they also used these modes more often than they would otherwise.

Further, survey respondents highlighted that the Scheme allowed easy trip-chaining (i.e. making several journeys on different buses per day) without adding the cost burden of this. This was particularly supportive for those with disabilities as it meant they could alight from the bus before they had completed their journey, and then rejoin on a later bus (e.g. if they needed the toilet, experienced pain or anxiety, etc.).

Private car use remained high among focus group participants for longer and cross-border journeys, as well as journeys that required a ferry as part of the trip. A small number also commented that it was inconvenient to book different tickets to cover trips across the Scottish border. In some cases, cardholders paid for a single, uninterrupted ticket instead (forfeiting the free part of the journey in Scotland).

Some focus group respondents reported walking for short journeys. However, walking was not practical for most of the journeys cardholders made.

Impact on car use

Overall, 76% (n=1,839) of survey respondents said that they had access to a private vehicle at some point whilst holding their free bus pass, either currently or previously. These respondents were asked to indicate the impact that the free bus pass had on their use of this private vehicle. Table 15 details the results. Just under half (45%) said they used a private vehicle a little less, while just under a third (31%) used it a lot less.

Table 15 What impact, if any, has the free bus pass had on your private vehicle (car/van) use? (survey respondents)

Note: 49 respondents either did not know or did not answer this question.

Responses were also disaggregated by card type, how well respondents were managing financially, and age group among those who held an over 60 card (see Annex - Tables 22-24):

• Results were largely consistent between those who held an over 60 card and those with a disabled card.
• Those who were experiencing financial difficulties were more likely to report that they used their private vehicle a lot less, while those who were managing well were more likely to use it a little less.
• Among those with an over 60 card, those in the oldest age group (age 80+) were slightly more likely to use a private vehicle a lot less compared to those in the younger age groups (age 60-69).

Several survey respondents also noted within their qualitative comments that they drove much more frequently before they had the free bus pass, with others suggesting that they would be forced to drive more often if they did not have it. In particular, the Scheme encouraged some people to use the bus for longer journeys or where driving and parking were seen as challenging:

In addition, several survey respondents suggested that the Scheme also encouraged use of park and ride where buses were not available in close proximity to the cardholder’s home.

However, it is worth noting that in some focus groups, both over 60 and disabled cardholders reported that they often felt forced to use the bus instead of private vehicles when travelling into cities, rather than choosing to do this. In most cases this was due either to the perceived complexity of navigating city centres by car and/or the prohibitive costs and challenges of parking in cities.

Survey respondents and focus group participants also reported changes in bus use linked to changes in their car ownership/driver status. Some people had opted to give up the car for financial reasons or had stopped driving (either temporarily or permanently) due to accidents or poor health. For this cohort, while free bus travel had not been the main reason for a reduction in car use, it had helped to support their mobility when in need. For others, however, the Scheme had more directly supported the transition away from reliance on private cars:

Several focus group participants did, however, report that they still used cars or private vehicles to make journeys, either as a driver or passenger - this was especially true for people who owned their own vehicles. The reasons included the additional flexibility and convenience a car afforded, as well as practicalities.

Impact on travel frequency and destination

Many survey and focus group respondents indicated that the Scheme encouraged them to get out and travel more often, and to travel further afield and to new places.

Most survey respondents (83%) either agreed or strongly agreed that the free bus pass encouraged them to travel by bus more often (see Table 16).

Table 16 The free bus pass encourages me to travel by bus more often (survey respondents)

Note: 113 respondents either did not know or did not answer the question

Both survey and focus group respondents said they travelled more often, either compared to before they had their free bus pass or more than they would if they did not have it. This included making more regular local journeys, such as for shopping, to visit family and friends, to socialise, meet people, visit local cafes, etc. Several also indicated that they had more days out and travelled further afield more often than they would if they did not have the free bus pass. In particular, companion cardholders noted that their free made travelling much more accessible, and gave them the confidence to travel further afield and to new or less familiar places.

Across both local and longer distance journeys, respondents reported both making new trips (i.e. those they would not have made at all), and making trips more often.

In addition, across both survey and focus group respondents, those that had received their NEC more recently indicated that they planned to use the bus much more frequently in future. This was particularly the case for the over 60 cardholders who had not yet retired but thought they would use the bus more once they retired, and for those who still drove but who planned to use the bus more when they were no longer able to drive.

In terms of travelling to different destinations, both older and disabled survey respondents said they had been encouraged to make day trips, travel further afield and take holidays. Again, many said they would not have done this without the free bus pass. This was a sentiment echoed across the focus groups as well:

In addition to accessing more urban leisure pursuits, several respondents highlighted that the Scheme had allowed or encouraged them to access more rural areas. They noted that they travelled more often now to take walks, and to access parks, green space and the countryside.