Bus Users UK and TfWM launch Catch the Bus Month at the Coventry Transport Museum

Scores of partners are on board for this year’s Catch the Bus Month representing government, local transport authorities, operators, NGOs, campaigning bodies and local groups. Hundreds of in-person events and activities are already underway across England, Scotland and Wales with many more campaigns, promotions and special offers running online.

Among the partners and supporters joining Bus Users UK and Transport for West Midlands at the launch of Catch the Bus Month were David Hall, Traws Cymru Network Manager at Welsh Government, Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport and leaders from some of the UK’s largest bus and coach operators.

The Museum’s unique collection of heritage and experimental buses formed the stunning backdrop to the launch with games, activities and refreshments on offer alongside the Museum’s own interactive galleries and immersive exhibitions.

Pictured l-r: David Hall, Welsh Government, Antony Goozee, MD, National Express West Midlands, Lydia Horbury, Director for England, Bus Users UK, Claire Walters, Chief Executive, Bus Users UK, Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, Mark Whitelocks, MD, Stagecoach Midlands, Anne Shaw, Executive Director, Transport for West Midlands, Toby J France, Head of Commercial, Midlands at Arriva Bus, Jennie Martin, Chair, Bus Users UK

Speaking at the event, Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker said: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport network, enabling millions of journeys every year. They’re a lifeline for local communities, connecting people to work, school, shops, and essential services. This Catch the Bus Month, we’re celebrating the vital role buses play in reducing congestion and improving air quality in our towns and cities.

“We’re not just encouraging people to get on board though – we’re actively investing in a better bus network. In Coventry, for example, we’ve put a fleet of new electric buses on the road, and we’re rolling out new priority routes across the region to improve reliability and journey times. I’ve also started the process of taking control of fares, timetables, and routes to build an affordable and accessible network that truly works for everyone in the West Midlands.”

Campaign Lead for Catch the Bus Month and Bus Users UK Director for England, Lydia Horbury said: “Buses are the most used form of public transport in the UK, connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare and each other. Catch the Bus Month is about celebrating that vital role while highlighting the need for continued investment to make services more reliable, inclusive and sustainable. Launching this year’s campaign in Coventry, a city with such a rich transport heritage, is the perfect reminder of the bus’s power to shape our communities and our future.”

Anne Shaw, Executive Director with Transport for West Midlands, said: “It’s fitting the launch is in Coventry as we’ve seen a transformation of the fleet through the all-electric bus city programme which has not only improved the air quality and environment but also given the passengers a quieter and more comfortable ride on the new buses.

“Catch the Bus Month is a great campaign to show people how bus travel is changing and becoming more convenient through easy access to live travel information, tap and go contactless ticketing and bus priority measures to improve journey times.”