The author describes measures taken by Northumbria Motor services to improve their buses following a survey carried out among passengers. With statistics from the Office of Population and Censuses claiming that up to 90% of the disabled could use conventional buses if they were more `user friendly' and the recognition of an increasingly elderly population in their area, Northumbrian Motor Services asked customers what improvements they would like to see. Aspects identified included better entrance/exit, better internal environment in terms of movement (better handrails, seat spacing, flat non-slip floor) and in terms of bellpush positioning, contrasting colour schemes and better route and destination information. These features were incorporated in new buses and retrofitted in old buses. Although not apparently increasing patronage it is suggested that a decline in bus use may have been arrested.
Abstract