BUS USERS UK, which has ‘championed’ bus passenger interests for more than 20 years, is naturally disappointed not to have been selected as the Bus Passenger Champion, but, says its Chairman Gavin Booth, ‘we recognise that Passenger Focus in its most recent incarnation has done a good job for rail passengers, and we look forward to working alongside them to ensure that an equally good job is done for bus passengers’.

He went on to acknowledge that Passenger Focus ‘has the expertise in producing “evidence-led” research which BUS USERS UK, as an organisation working on limited resources at grass roots level, have not been able to develop. Passenger Focus has indicated to us that it recognises that it will have a steep learning curve to get to grips with the needs of bus passengers, and we have made it clear all along that we are willing to work with whatever body is appointed. That willingness is of course extended to Passenger Focus and we hope to work alongside them in the future, sharing the benefit of our expertise gained over the last 20 years or more of representing bus passenger interests.’

Looking to the future, BUS USERS UK still has a lot to offer, even though it remains to be seen whether it will have an on-going role in handling passenger complaints: so far the DfT has not specified exactly what Passenger Focus’s extended remit will cover. BUS USERS UK is a membership organisation, with a loyal membership, its surgeries programme is highly regarded by bus users and service providers alike and the organisation is already developing some new projects which will ensure it has an on-going role whatever else the future may hold for it.

And BUS USERS UK will of course continue to function very effectively in Wales, where it is funded by Welsh Assembly Government and has already proven the organisation’s ability to work well with Government funding.

For further information please contact:

Stephen Morris
External Affairs Officer
BUS USERS UK
Tel: 01932 232574
E-mail: editor@bususers.org
Website: www.bususers.org

Gavin Booth
Chairman
BUS USERS UK
Tel 0131 652 0205
E-mail: gavin@bususers.org

Notes for editors:
BUS USERS UK is a non-statutory body established as the National Federation of Bus Users in 1985 to give bus passengers a voice in the liberalisation and privatisation of bus services outside London. Its aims are:

• To strengthen the voice of bus users in the discussion of public transport issues
• To increase the influence of bus passengers on local and national decisions affecting bus services
• To develop good communication between bus companies and their passengers

Its membership comprises mainly bus passengers, although its work has been recognised by the industry such that it also has representation in most major bus companies (outside London) and local authorities.

It is a partner in the Bus Appeals Body, set up to help passengers where legitimate complaints about bus services have not been resolved satisfactorily, and organises

Bus Users Surgeries in town centres throughout Britain to enable bus passengers to voice their concerns directly to bus company managers.