BUS AND LIGHT RAIL STATISTICS GB

The Department for Transport has today published National Statistics on passenger satisfaction, bus reliability, age of fleet and bus and light rail patronage in Bus and Light Rail Statistics GB: July to September 2005. The key points, in seasonally-adjusted terms unless otherwise noted, are as follows.

* In Summer (July to September) 2005, the average score for overall satisfaction given by passengers for the bus journey just completed was up two points from spring to 82 out of 100 in England. This is the highest recorded value for this measure. The ratings in London were up three points, to 80 which is the highest recorded value in London. In Metropolitan areas, scores were up by one point, to 83.

* Satisfaction with reliability in England was up by one point, to 68 out of 100 which is the highest recorded score for this measure. Rating in Metropolitan and Non-Metropolitan areas were both up one point to 63 and 68 respectively.

* Satisfaction with safety and security fell two points to 81 in London which is probably a reflection of the July 7 bombings.

* Satisfaction with bus stop information in England maintained a score of 68 out of 100. A record high score of 64 was achieved in Non-Metropolitan areas, although ratings fell by two points in Non-Metropolitan areas (62) and by one point in London (74). These values relate to a target agreed with the bus industry, under which operators in England will seek to achieve year-on-year improvement in information at bus stops, based on DfT national passenger satisfaction survey ratings during the period 2000 to 2010.

* The proportion of scheduled mileage run excluding losses outside the operators' control in England was 98.9 per cent which represents the highest value recorded for this measure since the survey began. The department has agreed a target with the bus industry to run 99.5 per cent of scheduled route mileage, except where this is affected by factors beyond their control.

* Following the 2005 spending review, the Department's PSA on local public transport has been restated as follows:- By 2010, increase the use of public transport (bus and light rail) by more than 12% in England compared with 2000 levels, with growth in every region. The index number for bus and light rail journeys in England in Summer 2005 was 107.4 (2000/01=100.0). This was slightly down from the estimate for the Spring (April to June) Quarter and little changed from the average level in 2004/05.

* Passengers are generally more satisfied with light rail services than bus services. A survey carried out in June/July 2005 showed that the average score for overall satisfaction for a light rail journey just completed was 85 out of 100. This compared to 79 for passengers alighting from buses in the vicinity of light rail stops.