10 reasons you should catch the bus this week

It’s Catch the Bus week, so we’ve put together 10 reasons why you should try out the bus.

Salisbury Reds are giving away 100 free tickets in Partnership with Spire FM.

First Bus are selling  a special Group Saver Ticket which allows up to five adults, unlimited day travel across the West of England for only £10. There are no age restrictions, you just need to buy and travel together for the entire journey. The Offer is only available between Monday 29th June to Sunday 5th July and can be bought from any First bus driver.

It can help you get fit

Did you know? Daily bus users clock up the annual equivalent of 11 marathons, with the short walk to and from the bus stop and destination, burning 22,630 calories a year.

Travelling by bus relieves stress

Research by Greener Journeys has shown that travelling by bus is a third less stressful than commuting by car, so free your hands and head and use the journey time to relax, play games or catch up on general life admin.

It’s safer

The EU Care database shows that buses and coaches are safer than cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trams and even pedestrians. Moreover, on average, one bus is capable of replacing at least 30 cars, so if more drivers left their cars at home to travel by bus and coach, there would be less congestion and ultimately fewer accidents.

It’s better for the environment

Buses can reduce the impact of traffic on Wiltshire’s beautiful towns and countryside. The more people who take the bus, the more we can reduce air pollution, noise and the visual impact of traffic. 13% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from car usage. If everyone switched just one car journey a month to bus that would be one billion fewer car journeys on our roads, and a saving of 2 million tonnes of CO2.

They can take you to new places

A day out on the bus means you don’t need to worry about parking and you can enjoy a drink.  Have a look at our suggested bus days out in Wiltshire including Avebury, Bradford on Avon and Salisbury.

It’s often cheaper

As the soaring cost of fuel, insurance, road tax and repair bills mean that it now costs us £3,453 a year to run a vehicle; whereas the annual cost of bus travel can be as little as £500.  Season tickets and group tickets can help save you money. You can travel for free with a bus pass for older people or the disabled.

It helps the economy

Bus users generate £64 billion of benefits to the UK economy. Bus users make 1.4 billion shopping trips and spend an estimated £27 billion on retail goods annually

They have a rich history

Salisbury Reds are celebrating their centenary this year.

You don’t have to concentrate

Just sit back, relax and enjoy the views. You can listen to music, chat on the phone or text your friends. Remember it’s illegal to use your phone while driving and you could get a £100 fine and three points on your license, or even be disqualified from driving. Even if you use a hands-free device, you may be prosecuted if you are distracted while driving.

It gives you independence

Buses give independence to even the most vulnerable in society, improving accessibility for the young, elderly and those on a low income. It’s important for us all to support our local bus services to make sure they stay viable for these vulnerable people.