Exploring England's Bus System: A Comprehensive Guide

how do buses work in england

Buses are the most popular form of public transport in the UK. In England, buses are commonly used in place of cars, with many people using them daily. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about how buses work in England, from fares and ticketing to boarding and alighting. So, whether you're a local or a tourist, read on to become a bus expert!

Characteristics Values
Boarding Passengers board at the front door.
Fares Fares are automated in London, but outside London, passengers should tell the driver their destination or which ticket is required.
Alighting Unless there is a separate exit door, alighting passengers should be given space to get off the bus before others attempt to enter.
Queuing Bus passengers typically form a queue at bus stops.
Acceptable Behaviour Barging to board a bus or forcing one's way to the front is not considered acceptable behaviour.
Cash Payments Cash is accepted on buses outside Greater London, but urban bus services often do not provide change, and the exact fare should be tendered if possible.
Passes Regular users can often purchase a weekly or monthly pass directly from the operator. Some local authorities also offer multi-operator passes.
Lost Property Many bus companies have a lost property office for items forgotten or lost onboard buses.
Complaints Complaints about bus services should be addressed to the bus operator in the first instance, or to the Traffic Commissioner.
Ownership In Great Britain, bus transport is owned and governed by private sector companies (subject to government regulation), except in Greater Manchester and Greater London.
Subsidies If a socially desirable service cannot be economically operated without a subsidy, local councils can support bus companies to provide the service, often after an open competitive tendering exercise.
Accessibility All 8,500 London buses are low-floor vehicles, and bus travel is free for wheelchair users. Outside London, accessibility varies throughout the different companies and regions.
Discounts There are often discounts available for students, young children, people over 60, and people with disabilities, but passengers will need to apply for a specific bus pass to take advantage of these schemes.

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Boarding and alighting

When boarding a bus in England, it is customary to form an orderly line and let passengers exit first. You should stand on either side of the doors to let passengers off the bus, and not attempt to board until everyone has alighted. If there is a separate exit door, passengers should be given space to disembark before anyone attempts to enter the bus. In England, it is considered rude to barge to board a bus or force your way to the front of the queue. Bus passengers typically form a queue at bus stops, although this may not always be obvious.

When boarding, passengers should tell the driver their destination or which ticket they require. In London, you do not need to check out with a travel card when exiting a bus, but outside the capital, you may need to do so. It is important to check what other passengers are doing when leaving the bus.

When choosing a seat, it is considered polite to sit on the window seat if there are two seats free, rather than the aisle seat, so that other passengers do not have to squeeze past. It is also considered good etiquette to leave an empty seat next to someone if possible, rather than sitting next to them.

Passengers should be prepared to pay their fare with the correct change, or by contactless card. Cash is accepted on buses outside Greater London, but urban bus services often do not provide change, so it is important to have the exact fare if possible. In London, you can only pay using a contactless card or a local transport card, such as an Oyster card.

When alighting, passengers should be mindful of others trying to exit and give them space to do so. It is also important to be ready to get off the bus when you reach your stop, so as not to hold up the other passengers.

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Payment methods

In London, the payment methods are more streamlined. The city offers three main ways to pay for bus travel: Oyster card, debit or credit card, and Apple or Google Pay. Oyster cards can be purchased for £7 at certain train stations, convenience stores, and the airport, and can be topped up as needed. When using a contactless debit or credit card, or Apple or Google Pay, passengers simply tap their card or device on the yellow card reader at the ticket barrier or the front of the bus, and their fee is automatically calculated based on the journey.

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Discounts and concessions

There are a variety of discounts and concessions available for bus travel in England. These include discounts for children, students, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Here is an overview of the different types of discounts and concessions:

Children and Students:

  • Children under five travel for free on all bus services in England.
  • Children between the ages of 5 and 15 typically pay half the adult fare, although this may vary depending on the bus service.
  • Students and young people may be eligible for various discount schemes, such as the Metrobus Student key smartcard and Stagecoach student discounts.

Seniors:

  • Individuals aged 60 and above can apply for a Senior Railcard, which offers one-third off train fares for £30 per year or £70 for three years.
  • Those who have reached the State Pension age (currently 66 for both women and men) are eligible for an older person's bus pass, which provides free local bus travel.
  • In London, residents aged 60 and above who have not yet reached State Pension age can apply for a 60+ London Oyster photocard, which offers free travel on buses, trains, and other modes of transport in the city.

Individuals with Disabilities:

  • Individuals with qualifying disabilities can apply for a disabled person's bus pass, which provides free off-peak bus travel anywhere in England.
  • The Disabled Persons Railcard offers one-third off train fares for individuals with disabilities and costs £20 per year.
  • Freedom Passes provide free travel for individuals with disabilities in London, including on buses, trams, trains, and other modes of transport.

Other Concessions:

  • Jobseekers may be eligible for discounted bus fares through schemes such as the Stagecoach Back on Board programme, which offers half-price tickets for eligible individuals.
  • Apprentices and care leavers may also be eligible for discounted travel on buses and trams in certain areas, such as London.
  • Concessionary travel schemes vary across different regions in England, such as Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and South Yorkshire, offering discounted or free travel for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
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Requesting a stop

  • Identify the correct bus stop: Look for designated bus stop signs, poles, flags, shelters, or markings on the road or sidewalk. Bus stops are typically located near landmarks, public transport hubs, or along major roads.
  • Signal your intention to board: If you are waiting at the bus stop, make sure the bus driver is aware of your intention to board. You can do this by making eye contact, raising your hand, or waving as the bus approaches.
  • Press the bell or request button: Once you are on the bus and it approaches your desired stop, press the bell or request button to indicate your intention to disembark. This should be done in advance to give the driver enough time to stop the bus safely.
  • Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop: Do not attempt to get off the bus while it is still moving. Wait until the bus has stopped completely and the doors have opened.
  • Disembark safely: Exit the bus carefully, being mindful of any traffic or obstacles. If you are exiting onto a road, cross behind the bus and use a designated pedestrian crossing if available.

It is important to note that the specific procedures for requesting a stop may vary depending on the region and bus operator. In some areas, such as London, there used to be a distinction between "bus stops" and "request stops," but this has been abolished, and drivers are now instructed to stop at all designated stops where passengers are waiting. Additionally, some bus services may have specific requirements or accessibility options for requesting a stop, so it is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local bus system.

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Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Buses in England have been required by law to be wheelchair accessible since 2005. All full-size single-deck buses over 7.5 tonnes have been fully accessible since 2016, and all double-deck buses since 2017.

Extra Help to Travel

First Bus has introduced a series of "Extra Help to Travel" cards that passengers can show their driver to ask for extra help. These cards are meant to help passengers who are unsteady on their feet, lip-readers, or those who have other specific requirements.

Guide Dogs

Recognised assistance animals, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs, disabled support dogs, and canine partners for independence, travel for free on all First buses.

Buggies and Pushchairs

First Bus has introduced "buggy-friendly" buses, which have a designated "buggy zone" on board. However, there is limited space for buggies, and they are requested to be folded if the bus is crowded.

Mobility Scooters

First Bus has adopted the bus industry's standard Mobility Scooter Code of Conduct. "Class 2" scooters with 3 or 4 wheels are accepted, provided they are no more than 600mm wide and 1000mm long, with a turning radius not exceeding 1200mm.

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