Buses are lifelines to jobs

Last month saw the completion of the UK’s national Bus for Jobs scheme coordinated by Greener Journeys, which enabled jobseekers to travel free on their local bus services throughout January 2013.  Initial estimates show that some 45,000 free bus journeys were made, attracting significant media and political attention.

25 February 2013 - Designed as a one month offer, the significance of the Bus for Jobs scheme goes far beyond.  Firstly, it has raised awareness of local bus services with jobseekers and employment agencies, and of job seekers with bus companies, many of whom have either decided to extend the offer or are now looking at what longer term discounts they can offer. Secondly, it has succeeded in raising awareness across government and the media of the importance of buses to the wider economy.

The scheme was covered by every single UK national newspaper and featured heavily across the broadcast media in regular news bulletins and programmes, highlighting the importance of buses as lifelines to jobs. The Bus for Jobs scheme was even the subject of questions in the House of Commons.

“As Government, main political parties and media grapple with the issue of free bus travel for wealthy pensioners, I hope that one important outcome of this scheme has been the spotlight created on job seekers – and young unemployed people in particular – against whom the cards are so heavily stacked,” said Claire Haigh, Chief Executive of Greener Journeys.

Above all, this scheme has highlighted the extent to which buses are the workhorse that is so often taken for granted.  Despite carrying more passengers than all other forms of public transport combined in the UK, buses have fared worse than the other modes in spending reviews.  “I hope that another important legacy of the Bus for Jobs scheme is further evidence for the Treasury of the need to redress this balance” she concluded.

Learn more about the work of Greener Journeys