The heart of Christmas connection: How Yorkshire bus drivers keep our communities together

The festive season is the time to think of others and new research has highlighted the leading role played by bus drivers and bus services in keeping communities connected and supported.

A study of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Stagecoach, parent of local operator Stagecoach Yorkshire, found that nearly three-quarters (73%) of people in Yorkshire believe that buses are a vital part of our local communities. Moreover, 41% feel that the bus driver, and the services they represent, help to connect and support vulnerable groups through independence and mobility.

And with Christmas being a time that can reinforce feelings of isolation and loneliness, over a third of respondents think that bus services are essential in allowing local people to stay connected to family and friends at the point of the year that is all about togetherness.

Matt Kitchin, Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “Though not generally acknowledged, it is clear from our research findings that people value the practical and emotional community support that the UK’s bus drivers and bus services deliver.

“This is really emphasised during the Christmas holiday period, when everyone is looking to get together with loved ones. But, for some, it is a time when they can feel forgotten and lonely.  In such cases, a few words from a cheery bus driver and independent travel can be especially important to counter isolation and bring communities together.

“The findings make clear that the role of the bus driver and the local bus service is highly valued. In addition to possessing local knowledge for directions and being the font of community news, drivers can offer a kindly word to someone that needs it, or transport vulnerable members of society to cherished places.

“These are values that keep communities together and values that Stagecoach share. We encourage all our drivers to recognise the key role they play in people’s lives as they give back to the community in the spirit of ‘we’ve got you’.”