As the UK gears up for a festive season on wheels, more people than ever are expected to ditch their cars and hop on board buses this Christmas Day, with a record-breaking number of services connecting major cities across the country.
More UK buses to run on Christmas Day than at any time in last five years
About 100,000 people are expected to travel by bus on Christmas Day, with the majority of services connecting major cities across the country. This marks a significant increase from previous years, highlighting growing demand for public transport during the festive season.
The Confederation of Passenger Transport estimates that nearly every household will have at least one person using buses or coaches on Christmas Day, making it an increasingly important mode of transport. With many people choosing to leave their cars behind due to various reasons such as lack of access or high costs, bus services are playing a vital role in providing alternative transportation options.
Industry figures suggest that the number of people catching a bus on December 25th has grown steadily over the past few years. In 2019, around 60,000 people used public transport on Christmas Day, while last year’s figure stood at approximately 87,000. This year’s forecast is expected to see an even higher number, with estimates suggesting that about 100,000 people will be using buses and coaches.
The rising demand for bus services can be attributed to several factors, including the decline in car ownership among young people. According to recent statistics, only 29% of people aged between 17 and 20 held a full driving licence last year, down from 37% five years earlier. The main reasons cited for not learning to drive include the cost of lessons, insurance, and buying a car.
The growing popularity of buses and coaches is also reflected in the number of services being offered by operators on Christmas Day. Long-distance coach operator National Express expects to run 340 journeys connecting 95 destinations, while FlixBus is scheduled to operate services linking 70 destinations. Other operators, including Brighton and Hove buses, Lothian buses, and Stagecoach, are also providing services in various locations across the country.
Overall, it seems that public transport will play a significant role this Christmas Day, with many people choosing to use buses and coaches as an alternative to driving or staying at home.
