Chapter 2: Bus and Coach Travel

Chapter 2: Bus and Coach Travel

Infographic Chapter 2: Bus and Coach Travel

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

  • 380 million journeys were made by bus in 2018-19.  Almost two fifths of these were made under the National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
  • There were 1.4 million people with National Concessionary Travel cards in Scotland in 2019.
  • The bus industry received £314 million in funding from local or central government in 2018-19. Passenger revenue in 2018-19 stood at £380 million in Scotland.

2. Main Points

Vehicles and Passengers

2.1 Around 380 million passenger journeys were made by bus in Scotland in 2018-19.  This is a decrease of 2.2 per cent on 2017-18 and a 22 per cent fall from a peak in 2007-08.  Journeys under the National Concessionary Travel Scheme make up almost two fifths of this figure (38%). (Table 2.2a)

2.2 Although vehicle kilometres have risen by 1 per cent over the past five years, the distance covered fell in six 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 11 per cent over the past five years, and a 3 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 8% over the past five years the fall for Scotland has been 10%. Great Britain vehicle kilometres fell by  7% compared to a 1% 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 two 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 58 per cent of respondents in large urban areas had used the bus in the last month compared to 19 per cent of those in remote rural areas. (Table 2.10) 

Operator revenue

2.8 Bus operators in Scotland received £694 million in revenue in 2018-19, an increase of 1 per cent on the previous year and a 5 per cent increase over the last 5 years.  Adjusting for the effects of inflation total passenger revenue was 3 per cent less than 5 years ago. (Table 2.8)

2.9 Almost half (£314 million, 45%) 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 55 per cent of operators’ revenue (£380 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 4 per cent lower than five years ago and overall passenger revenue is 3 percent less 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 a 10 per cent decrease in passengers, although fares have increased by 9 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 9 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 17 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 8 per cent in real terms. Operating costs per journey over the same 5 year period have risen by 3 per cent from £1.57 per passenger journey to £1.61.  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 (£1.61 in Scotland, compared to £1.47 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 2019. 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 Eighty eight per cent of young people (16-18) had a concessionary fare pass under the Scheme in 2019, and 92 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, 77% 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 2.1: Vehicle stock by type of vehicle

Figure 2.2: Passenger journeys (boardings) and vehicle-kilometres

Figure 2.2: Passenger journeys (boardings) and vehicle-kilometres

Figure 2.3: Local bus fare indices

Figure 2.3: Local bus fare indices

 

Table 2.1a: Public Service Vehicle characteristics (Local Operators)1
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % change over
1 year 5 years
Number of buses used as Public Service Vehicles       thousands 
Scotland 5.0 4.8 4.8 4.6 4.6 4.3 4.3 4.0 4.2 4.1 -2 -11
Great Britain 42.7 42.4 42.3 42.0 42.1 41.7 40.7 40.3 40.1 39.4 -2 -6
Average age of the bus fleet
Scotland 7.8 7.8 8.5 8.2 8.3 8.1 8.0 8.0 8.5 7.9 -6 -5
Great Britain 7.6 7.8 7.8 7.7 7.8 7.8 7.6 7.6 7.8 7.7 -1 -1
Percentage of buses with CCTV                 %
Scotland 3 52 54 58 65 67 72 78 82 90 90 -1 34
Great Britain 67 70 72 77 80 84 87 90 91 92 1 15
Percentage of bus fleet with automatic vehicle location (AVL) device  
Scotland 45 57 76 81 90 86 86 94 95 95 0 6
Great Britain 56 66 73 86 91 93 94 96 97 97 1 7
Percentage of buses with live ITSO smartcard readers         % 
Scotland 86 89 89 89 92 84 91 89 93 4 5
Great Britain (outwith London)2 37 60 81 86 89 90 91 92 92 1 7
Percentage of buses with live EMV readers that can accept contactless payment cards 4 %
Scotland 4 42 61 46 ..
Great Britain (outwith London)2 38 62 73 18 ..

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.

 

Table 2.1b: Number of disability accessible or low-floor buses used as Public Service Vehicles in Scotland (Local Operators)1
  2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % change over
1 year 5 years
Buses with accessibility certificate2
Number (thousands) 2.6 2.8 3.0 3.3 3.5 3.7 3.9 3.9 4.1 4.0 -1 16
Percentage of all buses 51 59 62 71 76 87 92 97 98 99
Buses with low floor access3                    
Number (thousands) 1.35 1.10 1.05 0.74 0.59 0.30 0.16 0.05 0.02 0.01 -23 -98
Percentage of all buses 27 23 22 16 13 7 4 1 0 0
Total accessible or low floor buses                    
Number (thousands) 3.9 3.9 4.0 4.0 4.1 4.0 4.1 3.9 4.1 4.0 -2 -2
Percentage of all buses 78 82 84 86 90 94 95 98 98 99

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 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  

Table 2.2a: Passenger journeys on local bus services1,2
2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % change over
1 year 5 years
                      million
Scotland 487 484 458 430 436 420 421 414 407 393 388 380 -2 -10
Great Britain 5,143 5,250 5,188 5,164 5,191 5,099 5,201 5,142 5,016 4,930 4,836 4,800 -1 -8
Of which concessionary passengers                        
Scotland3,4 154 155 153 147 149 146 149 146 143 142 136 143 5 -4
Great Britain5 1,643 1,740 1,772 1,772 1,803 1,764 1,794 1,759 1,714 1,693 1,639 1,643 0 -8
Percentage Concessionary passengers                        
Scotland 32% 32% 33% 34% 34% 35% 35% 35% 35% 36% 35% 38%
Great Britain 32% 33% 34% 34% 35% 35% 35% 34% 34% 34% 34% 34%
Annual growth rates
Scotland 2% -1% -5% -6% 1% -4% 0% -2% -2% -5% -1% -2%
Great Britain 5% 2% -1% 0% 1% -2% 2% -1% -2% -4% -2% -1%
Concessionary passengers
Scotland -1% 1% -1% -4% 2% -2% 2% -2% -2% -3% -4% 5%
Great Britain 6% 2% 0% 2% -2% 2% -2% -3% -4% -3% 0%

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 around 2-5% 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.

 

Table 2.2b: Passenger journeys by region for local bus services1,2
  2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % 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 53 -4 -14
Highlands, Islands and Shetland4 14 14 14 14 13 14 13 12 13 12 11 10 -5 -18
South East5 174 170 162 162 166 162 164 164 162 159 157 157 0 -4
South West and Strathclyde6 232 234 219 193 194 184 182 175 172 166 165 159 -3 -13
Scotland 487 484 458 430 436 420 421 414 407 394 388 380 -2 -10

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

 

Table 2.3a: Vehicle kilometres on local bus services by type of service1,2
    2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % change over
1 year 5 years
                      million vehicle kilometres
Scotland3 397 386 377 346 338 327 332 336 338 335 333 334 0 1
Commercial 315 311 302 279 278 263 266 266 275 266 264 273 3 3
Subsidised 82 75 74 67 60 64 65 70 63 70 69 60 -12 -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% 18.1%
Annual growth rate  3% -3% -2% -8% -2% -3% 1% 1% 1% 0% -1% 0%
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 1,859 -1 -9
Commercial 1,681 1,666 1,627 1,609 1,624 1,626 1,644 1,649 1,649 1,646 1,596 1,592 0 -3
Subsidised 504 510 514 501 447 417 391 364 321 291 274 267 -3 -32
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% 14.4%
Great Britain  2,649 2,650 2,620 2,591 2,557 2,529 2,522 2,496 2,457 2,425 2,359 2,336 -1 -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.

Table 2.3b: Vehicle kilometres on local bus services per head of population1,2
2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % 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 5,438 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 64,554 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 61.3 0 -1
Great Britain 44.7 44.7 43.7 42.8 41.6 40.9 40.5 39.8 37.7 38.0 36.8 36.2 -2 -11
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 1.70 2 10

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.

Table 2.3c: Vehicle kilometres by region for local bus services1,2
  2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % change over
1 year 5 years
  million vehicle kilometres    
North East, Tayside & Central3 51 55 58 55 55 54 56 57 56 54 56 52 -7 -6
Highlands, Islands & Shetland4 32 27 38 37 33 33 32 40 39 35 32 35 7 8
South East5 117 118 106 104 102 101 103 100 99 99 101 105 4 2
South West & Strathclyde6 189 186 175 151 148 139 141 140 145 146 143 142 -1 1
Scotland 389 386 377 346 338 327 332 336 338 335 333 334 0 1

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

Table 2.4: Staff employed1, 2
    2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % change over
1 year 5 years
          thousand    
Platform staff 3 11.4 11.1 10.7 10.6 10.1 10.4 10.5 10.4 10.0 10.3 10.5 2 1
Maintenance and other staff 3                        
Maintenance 2.2 2.4 2.2 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.2 1.8 1.9 1.8 -2 -16
Other  1.6 1.1 1.1 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 0 -7
Total 3.8 3.5 3.3 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.2 3.2 3.2 -1 -13
 All staff 15.2 14.6 14.0 14.3 13.8 14.0 14.0 13.9 13.2 13.5 13.7 1 -3

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.

 

Table 2.5: Local bus fare indices1
  2005 = 100
% change over
  2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 1 year 5 years
At current prices   
Scotland 126.5 129.5 132.2 139.1 145.1 149.8 153.2 157.6 163.6 171.9 175.5 2 17
Great Britain 123.1 129.0 135.2 143.4 150.1 154.7 159.7 162.6 165.6 171.0 176.3 3 14
At constant prices 2
Scotland 114.4 113.3 111.1 113.0 114.7 116.5 119.2 122.0 123.8 126.9 127.2 0 9
Great Britain 111.3 112.8 113.6 116.5 118.6 120.3 124.2 125.9 125.3 126.3 127.8 1 6

Source: DfT Bus Statistics

1. Fares at March of each year

2. Adjusted for general inflation, using the Retail Prices Index.

Table 2.6: Operating costs per vehicle kilometre for local bus services1,2
    2004-05 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % change over
1 year 5 years
At 2017-18 Prices (including depreciation) Pence per Vehicle Kilometre
Scotland 154 175 179 185 205 204 200 195 188 190 186 183 -1 -8
GB outwith London3 165 192 197 197 205 205 206 207 208 207 207 205 -1 -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.

 

Table 2.7: Operating costs per passenger journey for local bus services1,2
    2004-05 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % change over
1 year 5 years
At 2017-18 Prices (including depreciation) Pence per passenger journey
Scotland 119 140 147 149 158 158 157 157 156 162 159 161 1 3
GB outwith London3 126 138 143 143 148 151 150 150 151 149 149 147 -1 -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.

 

Table 2.8: Passenger revenue1 on local bus services2
    2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13     2013-14     2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 % change over
1 year 5 years
Current prices £ Million  
Passenger revenue
Scotland 3, 6 336 330 328 336 350   361   356 378 396 386 380 -1 5
Great Britain 6 3,069 3,156 3,299 3,439 3,575   3,701   3,744 3,747 3,688 3,691 3,735 1 1
Government support4  
Scotland 296  312  295  299  312  300    299    302    300    302    314  4 5
Total passenger revenue                          
Scotland 632  642  622  640  662  661    655    680    696    688    694  1 5
2017-18 Prices (Adjusted for general inflation using the GDP market price deflator.)  
Passenger revenue  
Scotland 398  385  376  380  388    391      380    401    411    393    380  -3 -3
Great Britain 3,636  3,678  3,780  3,881  3,953    4,014    4,005  3,974  3,821  3,761  3,735  -1 -7
Government support4  
Scotland 351  364  337  338  345  325    320    321    310    308    314  2 -4
Total passenger revenue  
Scotland 749 749 713 717 732 717 700   722    721    701    694  -1 -3

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. 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.

6. Figures for previous years have been revised.

 

Table 2.9: Government support on local bus services by type of support1
2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13     2013-14     2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19     % change over
1 year 5 years
Current Prices £ Million
Local Authority bus support 2  
Scotland 11 54 62 58 59 60   60   58 60 53 56 57   2 -5
Great Britain 8 1,342 1,318 1,145 1,084 1,038   1,094   1,072 1,071 1,120 1,133 1,058   -7 -3
GB outwith London 8 617 626 581 565 538   538   485 449 461 450 476   6 -12
Concessionary fares  
Scotland (bus)3 180 187 175 181 199 10 190 10 190 189 194 195 202   4 6
Scotland (all modes) 193 202 183 188 204 10 195 10 198 196 196 197 205   4 5
Great Britain (bus)5,6,8 1,172 1,224 1,246 1,248 1,282   1,304   1,313 1,309 1,297 1,259 1,253   0 -4
GB outwith London (bus)5,6,8 991 1,041 1,055 1,038 1,062   1,070   1,074 1,071 1,068 1,040 1,035   -1 -3
Great Britain (all modes)5,6,8 1,185 1,239 1,254 1,254 1,284   1,306   1,321 1,316 1,299 1,261 1,256   0 -4
GB outwith London (all modes)5,6,8 1,004 1,056 1,063 1,045 1,064   1,072   1,082 1,078 1,070 1,042 1,038   0 -3
Bus Service Operators Grant7  
Scotland 63 64 63 60 53 10 50   51 53 53 51 55 13 8 10
Great Britain 12 504 515 505 512 415   348   .. .. .. .. ..   .. ..
GB outwith London 12 391 403 397 401 327   306   302 306 304 300 303   1 -1
All government support 9  
Scotland (bus) 296 312 295 299 312 10 300 10 299 302 300 302 314   4 5
Scotland (all modes) 309 327 303 306 317 10 305 10 307 309 302 304 317   4 4
Great Britain (bus)6,8,12 3,017 3,056 2,896 2,843 2,739   2,735   2,687 2,686 2,721 2,692 2,614 -3 -4
GB outwith London (bus)6,8,12 1,998 2,069 2,033 2,004 1,929   1,907   1,919 1,887 1,885 1,846 1,870   1 -2
Great Britain (all modes)6,8,12 3,030 3,071 2,904 2,851 2,730   2,749   2,695 2,693 2,723 2,694 2,617 -3 -5
GB outwith London (all modes)6,8,12 2,011 2,084 2,041 2,011 1,920   1,921   1,869 1,833 1,835 1,793 1,816   1 -5
2017-18 Prices (Adjusted for general inflation using the GDP market price deflator)  
Local Authority bus support2  
Scotland  64 73 67 67 66   65   62 64 55 57 57   0 -13
Great Britain 8 1,589 1,536 1,312 1,224 1,148   1,186   1,147 1,136 1,160 1,154 1,058   -8 -11
GB outwith London 8 731 729 665 638 594   584   519 477 477 458 476   4 -19
Concessionary fares
                           
Scotland (bus)3 213 218 201 204 220 10 206 10 203 201 201 199 202   2 -2
Scotland (all modes)4 229 235 210 212 226 10 212 10 212 208 203 201 205   2 -3
Great Britain (bus)5,6,8 1,388 1,426 1,428 1,408 1,418   1,414   1,405 1,388 1,344 1,283 1,253   -2 -11
GB outwith London (bus)5,6,8 1,174 1,213 1,209 1,171 1,174   1,160   1,149 1,136 1,106 1,060 1,035   -2 -11
Great Britain (all modes)5,6,8 1,404 1,443 1,437 1,416 1,419   1,416   1,414 1,396 1,346 1,285 1,256   -2 -11
GB outwith London (all modes)5,6,8 1,189 1,230 1,218 1,179 1,176   1,162   1,158 1,143 1,108 1,062 1,038   -2 -11
Bus Service Operators Grant7  
Scotland 75 75 72 68 59 10 54   55 56 55 52 55   6 1
Great Britain 12 597 600 578 578 458   378   .. .. .. .. ..   .. ..
GB outwith London 12 463 470 455 453 362   332   323 325 315 306 303   -1 -9
All government support 9  
Scotland (bus) 351 364 337 338 345 10 325 10 320 321 310 308 314   2 -4
Scotland (all modes) 366 381 347 346 350 10 331 10 329 328 313 310 317   2 -4
Great Britain (bus)6,8,12 3,574 3,562 3,318 3,209 3,028   2,967   2,875 2,849 2,820 2,743 2,614 -5 ..
GB outwith London (bus)6,8,12 2,367 2,411 2,329 2,262 2,132   2,068   2,053 2,001 1,954 1,881 1,870   -1 -10
Great Britain (all modes)6,8,12 3,590 3,579 3,327 3,217 3,019   2,982   2,883 2,856 2,822 2,745 2,617 -5 ..
GB outwith London (all modes)6,8,12 2,383 2,429 2,338 2,270 2,123 2,084 2,000 1,945 1,901 1,827 1,816 -1 -13

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 fares figures only.

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.

To ensure comparability, historic figures have been revised to ensure they are presented on a consistent basis.

12 BSOG in London now forms part of their public support grant (from October 2013).

13 The figure for 2018/19 Includes £3.25m additional assistance towards overall industry operating costs, via grant made under section 38 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.

Table 2.10: Bus use the previous day (adults) by characteristic1
  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
by gender:                   column percentages
Male 41 44 40 41 41 43 47 45 40 41 42
Female 59 56 60 59 59 57 53 55 60 59 58
by age:                      
16-19 14 11 15 13 14 14 12 12 12 13 11
20-29 20 23 17 20 19 20 21 21 18 21 17
30-39 9 15 12 14 13 12 15 13 12 11 15
40-49 12 12 14 12 12 12 13 13 11 12 12
50-59 14 12 11 12 12 13 11 13 12 13 12
60-69 12 12 14 12 15 13 13 13 18 14 16
70-79 13 10 13 11 10 11 10 11 12 13 12
80 and over 5 5 3 5 3 5 4 4 5 4 6
by current status:                      
Self employed 1 1 1 2 2 2 0 1 2 1 2
Employed full time 34 33 27 34 28 29 31 32 30 30 33
Employed part time 10 10 10 11 14 13 12 12 11 10 11
Looking after the home or family 4 5 4 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 3
Permanently retired from work 26 24 27 24 25 25 23 23 26 25 27
Unemployed and seeking work 6 6 7 4 5 7 7 6 4 7 5
At school 4 3 6 4 7 4 5 3 7 6 3
In further/higher education 8 10 13 11 8 11 11 13 8 12 10
Government work or training scheme 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1
Permanently sick or disabled 4 5 4 6 5 4 4 4 4 4 5
Unable to work because of short-term illness or injury 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0
by journey purpose 2:                    
Commuting 28 29 27 28 29 28 25 24 29 29 28
Education 8 8 10 13 8 9 11 10 10 11 8
Shopping 28 25 28 21 25 24 28 29 26 29 30
Visit hospital or other health 5 4 4 3 4 2 3 2 4 2 3
On other personal business 5 8 4 7 4 6 4 4 3 2 6
Visiting friends or relatives 10 9 8 11 10 11 7 9 9 9 6
Sport/entertainment 5 7 8 8 4 4 4 5 4 4 4
Go home 3 4 2 4 9 9 8 9 8 7 7
Other purpose 8 7 9 7 7 7 9 7 6 6 7
by annual net household income:                      
up to £10,000 p.a. 21 21 20 22 15 13 16 14 12 12 12
£10,000 - £15,000 24 24 23 23 23 25 21 19 21 24 20
£15,000 - £20,000 16 13 18 18 17 16 17 20 18 15 21
£20,000 - £25,000 12 10 13 13 14 13 12 13 14 13 13
£25,000 - £30,000 7 11 6 7 12 9 10 9 9 11 7
£30,000 - £40,000 12 13 9 9 10 14 10 12 13 12 12
over £40,000 p.a. 8 7 12 8 9 11 14 14 13 14 15
by urban/rural classification:                      
Large urban areas 61 61 57 60 59 60 56 54 53 54 56
Other urban 24 23 26 23 24 25 24 31 31 29 27
Small accessible towns 7 6 6 6 5 7 8 5 6 8 5
Small remote towns 1 1 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 2
Accessible rural 5 7 8 7 6 5 7 7 7 5 9
Remote rural 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 2 2 3 2
by frequency of driving:                      
Every day 5 7 6 7 8 7 7 6 7 6 6
At least three times a week 7 5 5 6 7 5 6 7 7 6 7
Once or twice a week 6 5 5 7 5 5 6 4 6 4 4
Less often 4 5 4 5 2 4 6 4 5 4 4
Never, but holds full driving licence 7 10 7 9 10 9 9 7 8 9 10
Does not hold a full driving licence 70 69 73 67 67 70 66 71 67 72 68
by whether or not respondent has concessionary travel pass 3:                      
Yes 32 33 33 33 33 31 32 32 38 34 ...
No 68 67 67 67 67 69 68 68 62 66 ...
Sample size (=100%) 1,930 1,640 1,440 1,580 1,540 1,720 1,650 1,730 1,470 1,470 1,520

Source: Scottish Household Survey

* This table has been amended from previous publications to ensure the method of calculation is consistent with other transport tables using Scottish Household Survey data. Percentages are slightly modified. 

1.  The concessionary travel pass question was not asked in 2018, but wil be asked again in 2019 and alternate years.

2.  For concessionary travel pass, sample size  in 2003 was 1,983 as this data was not collected in quarter 1; sample size in 2006 was 2,120 as a new concessionary scheme was introduced in April 2006.

3.  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.

4.  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.

Table 2.11: Users views on local bus services1,3,5
  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.      

Table 2.12: Possession of concessionary fare pass1 for all adults aged 16+ 2
  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. 

2. This question was not asked in 2018. It will be asked again in 2019.

 

Table 2.13: Concessionary fare passes issued to older and disabled people, 2012-2019 1,2,3
  2012 2013 4 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Card type
60+ 1,074,616 1,141,214  1,142,923  1,170,709  1,146,751  1,156,063  1,203,751  1,256,531 
Disabled 61,660 43,979  44,381  43,590  41,348  39,384  37,228  37,268 
Disabled + companion 109,680 93,619  96,253  106,078  111,486  118,217  123,786  129,308 
Visually impaired 4,751 4,188  4,092  4,041  3,921  3,826  3,787  3,852 
Visually impaired + companion 11,554 10,223  10,102  10,099  9,745  9,592  9,546  9,658 
All cards 1,262,261 1,293,223  1,297,751  1,334,517  1,313,251  1,327,082  1,378,098  1,436,617 
Young persons scheme (16-18)
131,210  152,626 152,473 151,767 149,790 147,410 147,326

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.

Table 2.14: Concessionary fare passes issued to older and disabled people. As at November 2019 1
  Disabled Disabled + companion Visually impaired Visually impaired + companion 60+ All card holders
All Scotland
Aberdeen City 2,026  4,039  254  259 45,556  52,134 
Aberdeenshire 1,461  2,955  236  348 59,725  64,725 
Angus 892  2,003  83  144 31,141  34,263 
Argyll and Bute 488  1,672  56  186 27,644  30,046 
Clackmannanshire 342  1,021  22  68 11,594  13,047 
Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar 104  272  10  21 8,115  8,522 
Dumfries and Galloway 742  2,755  92  220 41,092  44,901 
Dundee City 1,162  5,256  146  334 32,591  39,489 
East Ayrshire 915  3,615  75  256 28,538  33,399 
East Dunbartonshire 472  1,530  72  156 30,029  32,259 
East Lothian 789  1,782  60  145 26,928  29,704 
East Renfrewshire 397  1,366  67  135 23,220  25,185 
Edinburgh 4,559  10,929  249  662 111,176  127,575 
Falkirk 1,112  3,352  106  245 34,588  39,403 
Fife 2,175  11,314  355  721 91,574  106,139 
Glasgow 6,228  23,973  366  1,331 107,898  139,796 
Highland 1,289  3,955  57  400 60,742  66,443 
Inverclyde 488  3,135  72  243 19,907  23,845 
Midlothian 585  2,308  37  141 21,624  24,695 
Moray 544  1,376  83  140 23,391  25,534 
North Ayrshire 837  3,869  134  408 37,475  42,723 
North Lanarkshire 2,068  8,558  175  656 69,617  81,074 
Orkney Islands 108  563  33 6,177  6,884 
Perth and Kinross 699  2,589  192  296 39,210  42,986 
Renfrewshire 1,290  4,525  141  400 41,696  48,052 
Scottish Borders 763  1,590  108  182 31,535  34,178 
Shetland Islands 166  526  21 5,839  6,558 
South Ayrshire 683  2,772  102  261 33,845  37,663 
South Lanarkshire 1,696  7,397  288  678 75,455  85,514 
Stirling 495  1,444  74  118 20,223  22,354 
West Dunbartonshire 773  2,772  68  175 21,431  25,219 
West Lothian 920  4,095  63  275 36,955  42,308 

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.