1. “Just the Ticket? Ticketing, a Barrier or Enabler to People Using
Public Transport for Local Journeys?”
A study examining public transport ticketing for local journeys in the West of England
conducted by Jonathan Flower, submitted as part of an MSc in Transport Planning at
the University of the West of England
(September 2016)
ABSTRACT
The study involved interactions with 163 members of the public, two local authorities, three
operators and ten bus drivers in the West of England, with external insight from the Public
Transport Team at Nottingham City Council, plus the transport authorities in Manchester and
Lyon, France.
Using mixed methods, the work seeks to answer the following questions:
What are the perceptions of the general public on public transport ticketing for local
journeys in the West of England, with a particular focus on North Somerset residents,
and what are the local operators’, bus drivers’ and local authorities’ perspectives?
What future public transport ticketing options could increase the modal share of
public transport?
Is ticketing a barrier or an enabler for people using public transport for local
journeys?
The perceptions and perspectives of stakeholders on public transport ticketing emerged from
the study, and there was consensus that ticketing in the West of England is overcomplicated,
but there were differences of opinion on what this means and how it should be addressed.
The study concludes that by providing clear ticket product information, including prices, and
by introducing certain ticketing payment options, most people indicate that this would make
them more likely to use public transport for local journeys. New ticketing products have less
effect on the likelihood of people using public transport. However, for under 60s in North
Somerset the majority said that three new products would make them use public transport
more.
This research clearly demonstrates, particularly from the final public survey, that people in
the West of England, including occasional, lapsed and non-public transport users, are more
likely to use public transport for local journeys if certain aspects of ticketing are addressed.
The research would therefore posit that good ticketing does enable more public transport
use for local journeys.
(The full report will be available in November from that author: jonouldflower@gmail.com)
