Great Northern Conference: 'A change in attitude is needed' says Andrew Jarvis of First Bus

“There has long been an unreasonable perception in society that bus travel is something to be left behind as soon as your financial circumstances allow, leading many to conclude that they are too good for this mode of transport. But things are changing. Now, thanks to the public’s waking environmental conscience, there’s a turning tide that is seeing this negative view shift to those who use their cars too frequently for unnecessary journeys, particularly short urban ones. Poor air quality in major cities coupled with the huge rise in fuel prices means the car is starting to lose its place as a go-to option and is increasingly being recognised as an un-green and, in many cases, needless and thoughtless transport of choice for some journeys.

“We must recognise that if we each made small, conscious decisions to take the bus to town or to see a friend, that little bit more, together we could transform our city’s congestion, air and noise pollution. Because bus travel doesn’t just have the potential to benefit our pockets and the environment – it can transform our public spaces, too. There are so many benefits to bus travel. No parking hassle, an easy-to-use, reliable service and saving money in a cost-of-living crisis, to name but a few. Investment in enhanced technology also means users now have more control of their journey through real-time travel updates, tracking facilities, contactless payments and much more. And it’s now greener than ever as the industry and government invest millions in zero-emission buses.

"Think back to the commitments made a year ago at COP26 in Glasgow, where we set out our ambitions for the future of public transport and the role it has to play in meeting our collective climate challenge targets. It’s time we get back to thinking of the bigger picture. No rush hours, a service that runs like clockwork, cleaner air, quieter, calmer streets, and more money in your back pocket. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? We need a collective effort and a continued shift in attitudes to make the journey, but these are all prospects that aren’t so far out of reach.

“A change in attitude is needed. Specifically, a shift to being more open-minded and focusing efforts where they matter most: protecting the environment. It will be a slow shift, but one we’ll welcome with open arms. So, next time you’re about pick up your car keys before you leave the house, just stop and think for a second about the opportunities that a switch to bus could bring to the make-up and liveability of our towns, cities and planet.

Andrew Jarvis is Chief Operating Officer of First Bus. He will be speaking at the Great Northern Conference on November 3 in Manchester.

The North is fighting back and the big issues will come under the microscope at this year’s Great Northern Conference at the University Academy 92’ venue in Manchester.

Organised by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and our parent company National World, it will bring together some of the North of England’s leading figures from the worlds of business, politics, culture and academia.