Transport planners don’t understand buses. There, I said it. And while that statement might sting, it comes from a place of truth – and a desire to see real change. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes I probably wouldn’t have believed it myself.
I’m not talking about planners who occasionally ride a bus as part of a research project. Or those who hop on for inauguration day, surrounded by dignitaries and perfectly staged service runs. I mean the day-to-day reality of relying on public transport – the frustrations, the delays, the moments when you’re down to your last few quid and praying your contactless payment goes through.
Disconnect Between Transport Planners and Real-life Buses
Transport planners and network planners come from very different worlds. On the surface they appear to be aligned but scratch the surface and the differences begin to appear. Network planners often have a practical understanding of the industry, shaped by years of experience as drivers, inspectors, or operational managers. Many have spent a lifetime obsessing over bus routes, timetables, and vehicle types.
Transport planners, on the other hand, are typically well-versed in theories, concepts, and academic models. They’re taught by professors and advocacy groups who, while well-meaning, often focus on idealistic visions that fail to account for the dynamic realities of running a bus network. Turning a critical economic corridor into a pedestrian paradise might look good on paper, but it doesn’t always help the people who depend on that route to get to work, and therefore aid economic regeneration.
This isn’t meant to discredit transport planners – it’s a call to action. To truly unlock the potential of bus travel, we need everyone: planners, managers, and operators to immerse themselves in the real-world experiences of passengers.
3 Steps to Bridge the Gap
Here’s how we can bridge the gap between theory and operation.
- Understand the network from the passenger’s perspective: Move beyond theoretical models and personas.
- Immerse yourself in real-world journeys: Ride the buses, talk to passengers, and observe how services operate daily.
- Learn from the frontline: Shadow drivers, customer service staff, and operational managers to gain hands-on, real-world insights.
Building Better Networks Together
By bringing real world experiences into planning, we can create bus networks that stand the test of time; networks that don’t just meet expectations but exceed them. Collaboration and empathy are the keys to making it happen.
So maybe next time you’re working on a new transport project, take the time to really get to know the area and passengers and truly make that generational difference that we all strive for.
Greater Buses 