BUSES are the most popular mode of transport for nearly one in five young people, according to new research.
Stagecoach worked with Young Scot — Scotland’s national youth information and citizenship charity — to look at young people’s thought and attitudes towards public transport services.
It found 18 per cent of 11 to 24-year-olds surveyed rely on buses.
The research found Wifi services, USB and power sockets, and live schedule updates when choosing how they will travel are increasingly important to young people.
A fifth (20 per cent) of young people use the bus because they can read or use their phone, while 46 per cent said it was because buses are the cheapest mode of transport.
Only a tenth (11 per cent) highlighted environmental reasons.
While 14 per cent of young people don’t check bus times in advance, of those who do 69 per cent check online.
Despite a wide range of discounts available to young people, 67 per cent of young people think they are missing out on special offers, discounts and concessions.
The most popular discounts related to Young Scot, which accounted for more than half (54 per cent) of all discounts used.
A quarter (25 per cent) of young people don’t feel confident they have purchased the best value ticket.
Almost nine in ten (89 per cent) use traditional ‘on the day’ tickets that they buy from the driver.
The average amount spent on travel rises as young people grow up with 21-25 year olds spending £9.49 per week rising from £4.62 for 11-15 year olds.
One in four (25 per cent) of those aged 21-25 say the bus is their preferred mode of transport.
Bus travel is the second most popular way to travel after being a car passenger (47 per cent).
As young people get older they are seeking more independence, half (53 per cent) of bus users aged 11-17 say they prefer to be car passengers but only a quarter (25 per cent) of young people aged 21-25 agree.
Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot, said: “Scotland has a wide range of public transport, but it isn’t always easy for young people to access the best price and services.
“Our research shows that while a high number of young Scots are catching the bus, a quarter aren’t confident they’ve got the best value ticket.
“This research will help bus providers to understand the priorities for young people and the challenges they face in accessing services.”
This report surveyed 1356 Young Scot members in relation to bus travel and how this compares to other modes of transport.
The survey was conducted through Young Scot Rewards which gives over 100,000 users across Scotland points for making choices that have a positive impact on themselves, their communities or the environment.
Points can be exchanged for money-can’t-buy experiences or exclusive rewards such as sports kits and tech products.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here