Buses remain the nation’s most widely used form of public transport, providing crucial travel access for millions of people. Yet despite their extensive economic, societal and environmental benefits, buses are often overlooked and undervalued.
September’s ‘Catch the Bus Month’ campaign is a high-profile opportunity to celebrate and demonstrate the transformative benefits of the bus, as an accessible and inexpensive solution to problems such as air pollution and urban congestion. Initiated a few years ago by Bus Users UK, the campaign aims to show bus travel as the most accessible form of public transport, that’s also supportive of the environment, the economy, city centres and our overall health.
The focus of this year’s campaign, which is being supported once again by Imperial Engineering, is to challenge outdated perceptions of bus travel and encourage more people to discover the benefits.
John Dwight, Imperial’s Sales Director, commented:
“Buses are not simply a transport service, they are a form of economic infrastructure, connecting people with jobs, shops, health provision, education and leisure. At the same time, shifting journeys from private cars to buses has proven to reduce congestion and emissions, while the transition to electric buses offers the potential for even greater environmental benefits. Catch the Bus Month is a meaningful opportunity to challenge outdated perceptions, celebrate the vital role buses play in our communities, and encourage more people to get on board.”
A partner pack was launched recently which includes a range of dynamic tools and resources to help organisations and passengers to get involved.
Among these is an interactive events map showing activities taking place around the UK, and an online journey calculator, which reveals the difference that switching from car to bus can make for the environment and the passenger’s finances.
Bus Users UK chose Lincoln to launch this year’s campaign. It worked with Lincolnshire County Council, with the local authority having events and activities planned across September to encourage residents to explore local bus services, support local businesses, and discover the social, environmental, financial and health benefits of the mode.
Chief Executive of Bus Users UK Lydia Horbury, said: “Too often, perceptions of bus travel are shaped by outdated assumptions rather than the reality of the service available today. Catch the Bus Month is about challenging those myths and helping people to discover just how affordable, accessible, sustainable and convenient bus services really are.”
For more information on Catch the Bus Month 2026, to register as a partner, explore the events map or try the journey calculator, visit the Bus Users UK website.
KEY INDUSTRY FACTS
- Bus services generate an estimated £11.3bn in direct, indirect and induced economic activity across the UK.
- Bus users spend an estimated £39.1bn each year in the wider economy on shopping, leisure, hospitality and other activities.
- The bus sector supports approximately 105,000 jobs, making it a significant employer in communities across the country.
- Local buses completed approximately 4 billion passenger journeys in the year ending March 2025 more than the number of journeys made by National Rail (1.7bn) and London Underground/Glasgow Subway combined (1.2bn).
- Bus use outside of major urban areas has recovered to 93% of pre-pandemic levels.
- Evidence submitted to Parliament cites research suggesting that every £1 spent on bus services can generate up to £3.80 in economic, social and environmental benefits.
- UK Government trials found electric buses used up to 70% less energy than diesel buses and reduced greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 70%.
