Busting the myths about bus travel with Stagecoach South West
This September, in support of Catch the Bus Month, Stagecoach South West is tackling some of the most common myths that can stop people from choosing the bus.
The national campaign celebrates the value of bus travel and encourages people to discover just how convenient, affordable and sustainable modern bus services can be.
Whether it's concerns about reliability, cost or convenience, many perceptions of bus travel are outdated. Here’s the reality behind some of the biggest bus myths.
Myth: “The bus is only for people who don’t have a car”
Reality: Plenty of people who own a car still choose to travel by bus because it can be a smarter and better-value way to get around.
With the rising costs of fuel, parking, and vehicle maintenance, taking the bus can help you save money while taking the stress out of driving. Instead of concentrating on the road, you can sit back, relax, catch up on emails, read or simply enjoy the journey. When heading into Exeter city centre, the range of bus stops along Sidwell Street, Fore Street and the High Street means you can get off right near the shops and restaurants without the hassle or expense of finding somewhere to park.
For many journeys, the bus isn’t a second choice, it’s the sensible choice.
Myth: “One bus journey won’t make a difference to the planet”
Reality: Every journey counts. Choosing the bus is one of the simplest ways to make a more sustainable travel choice.
A single double-decker bus can take up to 75 cars off the road, helping to reduce congestion, improve air quality and cut emissions. Stagecoach South West is rolling out a new fleet of 110 electric buses across Devon, with vehicles operating across Exeter, Torquay and Barnstaple as part of its drive towards cleaner, more sustainable public transport. A fully loaded double-decker bus can carry up to 75 passengers, potentially removing up to 75 cars from the road. While the average petrol car produces around 164g of CO₂ per kilometre, a fully loaded double-decker bus produces just 17.4g of CO₂ per passenger per kilometre, making bus travel one of the most efficient ways to get around.
One full double-decker bus can also replace a queue of cars stretching approximately 330 metres, helping to reduce congestion and free up road space for everyone.
By choosing the bus more often, we can collectively make a real difference, helping to create greener, better-connected communities across the South West.
Myth: “Buses are outdated”
Reality: Modern buses are comfortable, accessible and packed with high-tech features.
From comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi to USB charging points and real-time journey information, many buses are packed with features that help make travelling more convenient.
Many of our services also offer dedicated wheelchair spaces and other accessibility features, helping more people travel with confidence. With next-stop announcements, you’ll always know exactly where you are and when to get off, whether you’re travelling during the day or at night, and whether you’re somewhere familiar or exploring a new place. The Stagecoach app is your handy travel companion, with live bus tracking, a bus stop finder, journey planning and mobile tickets all in one place. And when you’re on board, paying is easy too, simply tap and go with contactless.
And it’s not just about what’s on board. Our modern Stagecoach buses are also becoming greener, with newer and cleaner vehicles helping to reduce emissions and support more sustainable travel.
So, if it’s been a while since you last caught the bus, it might be time to take another look. Today’s buses are modern, connected and designed around the needs of passengers, making them a smart choice for getting around Devon.
Myth: Driving is always faster
Reality: When congestion, parking and city centre traffic are taken into account, driving isn't always the quickest option.
Reports suggest congestion could reduce average traffic speeds in the UK's busiest cities from 17mph to just 12mph by 2030. Rather than sitting in traffic or searching for parking, bus passengers can relax and make use of their travel time.
With dedicated bus routes in many locations and convenient stops close to local destinations, buses can often be a stress-free alternative to driving.
Catch the Bus This September
This autumn also brings a fantastic opportunity in Plymouth, where there is free weekend bus travel throughout September, thanks to the Plymouth Enhanced Bus Partnership, making it even easier for people to get around the city from Drakes Circus to The University of Plymouth, visit local attractions such as Plymouth Aquarium and the Hoe and support local businesses such as The Box. The initiative highlights the partnership's commitment to making public transport more accessible while helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Getting started couldn't be simpler. With the Stagecoach Bus App, you can Plan your journey, Track your bus in real time and Buy tickets all in one place. Plan your next adventure today at stagecoachbus.com or download the Stagecoach Bus App and make the most of Catch the Bus Month.
This Catch the Bus Month, why not rethink your usual travel habits and give the bus a try?
Whether you’re heading into town, commuting to work, meeting friends or exploring somewhere new, travelling by bus can help you save money, reduce your environmental impact and take the stress out of your journey.
Did You Know?
✅ A fully loaded double-decker bus can take up to 75 cars off the road
✅ One full bus can replace a queue of traffic around 330 metres long
✅ A passenger travelling on a full double-decker bus is responsible for approximately 17.4g of CO₂ per kilometre
✅ The average petrol car emits around 164g of CO₂ per kilometre
✅ The average passenger vehicle produces around 4.6 tonnes of CO₂ every year
✅ Stagecoach South
So, leave the car at home, hop on board and discover the benefits of bus travel for yourself this September.
Ready to give the bus a try? To find out more about Catch the Bus Month visit www.bususers.org/catchthebusmonth