A New Perspective on Public Transport Friendships
Contrary to the stereotype of commuters isolating themselves with headphones or books, recent research from First Bus, one of the UK’s largest bus operators, reveals that the bus has become a prime location for forging lasting friendships. Nearly three in 10 (30%) of Britons report having made long-lasting connections with strangers they met while travelling on public transport.
The Power of Public Transport for Social Interaction
The newly commissioned study highlights the bus as a unique social space where casual encounters evolve into meaningful relationships. Surprisingly, it is Millennials and Gen Z who are leading the way in initiating conversations on the bus. Around 17% of Millennials and 16% of Gen Z revealed they frequently start conversations with people sitting next to them during their commutes. What’s more, nearly half of Gen Z (46%) and 43% of Millennials say these interactions often develop into lasting friendships.
The Role of Location in Making Friends on the Bus
In a surprising twist, it is Londoners who are most likely to make new friends on the bus, with 46% of Londoners saying they’ve made lasting connections while travelling. This contradicts the common perception of London as a less friendly city. Close behind, Wales also ranks highly, with 40% of respondents in the region making new friends during bus journeys.
The research findings highlight the importance of public transport in facilitating social interaction, with the following regional breakdown of people who have made friends on the bus:
- London – 46%
- Wales – 40%
- East of England – 36%
- North East, West Midlands – 34%
- East Midlands – 26%
- North West, South West, South East, Yorkshire/Humberside – 23%
- Northern Ireland – 22%
- Scotland – 19%
Community Connection through Public Transport
The research reveals that small talk on the bus is more than just a way to pass the time—it fosters a sense of community. 82% of respondents agree that these conversations help strengthen connections within their local areas. Furthermore, 44% of people consider the bus a vital service in their community.
Impact of Losing Bus Services
The absence of bus services would leave a significant gap in many people’s lives, with 28% of respondents saying they would feel isolated without access to buses.
Josie Gibson’s Campaign to Celebrate the Bus’s Role in Communities
To highlight the bus’s role in connecting communities, TV personality Josie Gibson, a proud Bristolian, joined First Bus for a tour of her local area. She reflected on how the bus has helped her maintain ties to her community. During the tour, Josie also spoke to a number of everyday heroes across the country, celebrating their positive contributions to local areas.
Josie Gibson’s Reflection on the Bus’s Community Role
“Reflecting on the bus rides of my youth has reminded me just how buses serve as a powerful link, connecting people and communities in ways we often overlook. The bus is the unsung hero within our local communities, so I’m not surprised to hear how many people are making long-lasting connections after a brief chinwag with the person sitting next to them.”
Simon Pearson’s Comment on Buses as Vital Community Connectors
“The bus is not simply a means of transport; it plays a vital role in connecting individuals with one another and with their local communities. Without it, many would feel isolated and cut off. Our research shows that nearly 44% of people see the bus as a vital service within their community.”
First Bus: A Transformation in Service and People
First Bus is undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on improving services for passengers while connecting people and communities.
Simon Pearson added: Collaborating with Josie Gibson has been a wonderful opportunity to highlight the essential role buses play in linking people to their communities. We have loved hearing how the bus has been an integral part of Josie’s life and career, too.
The Bus as a Unifying Force
As part of her collaboration with First Bus, Josie met with inspiring community leaders from all over the country, showcasing how buses bring people together and celebrate the stories of resilience and dedication that make each community stronger.