Public Transport – November 2025
Introduction
During November we asked children and young people about public transport.
The surveys were a part of an ongoing series of topical questions we ask children and young people monthly to hear their views on a variety of issues, called Monthly Matters. They were shared directly with all schools signed up to our children’s rights schemes for primary and secondary schools, as well as community groups.
As part of the survey pack, children and young people were shown a video introducing the topic. Schools and groups had two options for completing the survey; children and young people could either do it independently, or a teacher or group leader could complete the survey on behalf of the group by answering a different set of questions to give an overview of the discussion.
608 children answered the questionnaire individually, and 604 as part of a group. A wide range of ages took part, from children under 7 to those up to 18 years old. Responses were received from schools and groups within 18 local authorities.
Questions for all
How often do you use public buses or trains? (by public we mean buses that anyone can use – not a school bus). This could be by yourself or with your friends or family.
Rarely (224) – 39%
Never (142) – 25%
Sometimes (133) – 23%
Often (43) – 8%
Every day (29) – 5%
If you never use public buses or trains, please tell us why (pick as many as you want)
My parents/family take me in the car (102) – 73%
I don’t like using the bus or train (24) – 17%
Takes too long (15) – 11%
Other (15) – 11%
Too expensive (8) – 6%
Not enough buses or trains in my area (6) – 4%
Buses/trains aren’t reliable enough (4) – 3%
Please tell us more
Answers mostly referred to:
- preferring walking for convenience and health
- finding public transport uncomfortable i.e. because of crowding
- not needing public transport because things are in walking distance
Which one do you use the most?
Buses (175) – 41%
Trains (166) – 39%
The same (85) – 20%
How do you feel about the cost of the public transport you use?
Answers mostly referred to:
- too expensive, the cost should be cheaper for children
- mixed opinions i.e. some think the cost is fair and others think it’s expensive
- don’t care about the cost because they don’t use public transport regularly
How do you feel about how reliable the public transport is in your area?
Answers mostly referred to:
- mixed opinions i.e. some say it’s reliable and on time while others have experienced delays and cancellations
- don’t use public transport because they use cars or live close enough to walk
- needs improving – always late and never enough transport
Do you think there are enough buses/trains in your area?
Answers mostly referred to:
- most say enough buses are nearby, especially by schools and neighbourhoods
- trains are less available than buses i.e. no train stations or come infrequently
- transport needs to be improved i.e. not enough buses
Is there anything else you want to tell us about the public transport in your area?
Answers mostly referred to:
- most children are not happy with public transport – not enough trains/buses, expensive and unreliable
- needs improving – cheaper costs, more frequent services
From November, everyone aged 5-21 will be travel on the bus for £1 for a single journey, or £3 for an all day ticket.
Do you think you will use the bus more because of this?
Yes (230) – 41%
I don’t know (210) – 37%
No (123) – 22%
If you’re 16-21, you need a My Travel Pass to get the low bus fares. Did you know this before doing this survey?
No (7) – 64%
Yes (4) – 36%
Do you have a My Travel Pass?
No (10) – 91%
Yes (1) – 9%
Before you did this survey, did you know about the new low bus fares for children and young people aged 5-15?
No (385) – 70%
Yes (162) – 30%
Group Responses
How did the group feel about public transport in their area? Do they use them? Are there any issues with public transport in their area?
Answers reflected:
- cannot rely on transport – always late, too many cancellations and overcrowded
- feel unsafe because of other passengers
- improve transport by having frequent services and more trains/buses
Had the group heard of the new low fares offer?
Answers reflected:
- most hadn’t heard of the low fares
- teachers and parents/guardians are not aware of the fares
- mixed opinions about the fares – worried that buses will be overcrowded, uncertain of how the scheme works
What ideas did the group have for raising awareness of the low fares offer to the school community?
Answers reflected:
- social media i.e. TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
- school assemblies, school lessons, posters or QR Codes in classrooms
- posters at bus stops/on buses