Catch the Bus Month 2026: Busting Bus Myths

3 September 2026  |  Alice Ridley  |  Buses

This year’s myth-busting campaign aims to challenge the outdated perceptions of buses and the people who use them. Throughout September, we’ll be helping to bust some of the most common myths and highlight the reality: modern buses are affordable, accessible, sustainable and essential to thriving communities.

The truth about buses

Buses are the UK’s most used form of public transport. Every day, around 10 million bus journeys help people get to work, education, healthcare appointments, shops and social activities.

At Campaign for Better Transport, we know buses do far more than move people from A to B. They reduce congestion, tackle social isolation, improve access to jobs and services, and help cut harmful emissions. Buses are often the transport link that keeps communities connected, particularly for older people, young people and those without access to a car.

So let’s tackle some of the biggest myths head-on.

Myth 1: “Buses only benefit the people who use them”

Reality: Everyone benefits from better buses.

Even if you never set foot on a bus, you still gain from a strong bus network. Buses reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, support local businesses and help create more vibrant communities.

Research by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) shows that bus passengers contribute around £39 billion a year to local economies, spending money in shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure destinations. Bus commuters also generate billions for the national economy, adding an impressive £64 billion to the economy each year.

Myth 2: “Buses are only for people who can’t drive”

Reality: Buses are a smart choice for everyone.

People use buses for a huge range of reasons. They are convenient, affordable and increasingly attractive as traffic congestion and the cost of motoring continue to rise.

Whether you’re commuting, heading into town, travelling to college, visiting friends or enjoying a day out, buses provide a practical alternative to the car. In fact, buses account for the majority of public transport journeys in Britain, demonstrating their widespread appeal and importance.

Myth 3: “Buses aren’t accessible”

Reality: Accessible buses create freedom and independence.

Accessible transport is essential for ensuring everyone can participate fully in society. Modern buses are designed to support a wide range of passengers, helping people travel safely, independently and with dignity.

At Campaign for Better Transport, we believe every community should have access to reliable, affordable and accessible public transport. Better bus services help reduce inequality and ensure that people can reach work, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities, regardless of whether they drive.

Myth 4: “Bus travel isn’t healthy”

Reality: Catching the bus can be good for your health and wellbeing.

Bus journeys often involve walking to and from stops, helping people build physical activity into their daily routines. According to CPT, bus users typically undertake at least 20 minutes of exercise a day as part of their journeys.

Buses also help tackle loneliness by connecting people to friends, family, services and social opportunities. Better public transport strengthens community life and supports mental wellbeing by reducing social isolation.

Myth 5: “Buses are dirty and polluting”

Reality: Buses are one of the greenest ways to travel.

Buses play a major role in tackling climate change. Bus travel produces substantially fewer emissions per passenger than equivalent car journeys, making it one of the most effective tools available for creating a cleaner transport system. If we all took the bus instead of the car just twice a month, by 2050 this would create a reduction of 15.8 million tons of CO2 – the same as the total emissions of the North East in 2019.

One full double-decker bus can remove up to 75 cars from the road, helping to reduce both congestion and emissions.

Myth 6: “Buses are outdated”

Reality: Modern buses are evolving rapidly.

Today’s buses are increasingly low emission, technologically advanced and designed with passenger comfort in mind. Across the country, operators are investing in cleaner vehicles and modern fleet upgrades.

At the same time, local authorities and operators are working together to improve information, ticketing, accessibility and passenger experience, making bus travel easier and more attractive than ever before.

Myth 7: “Bus travel is expensive”

Reality: Buses are often one of the most cost-effective ways to travel.

With no fuel or parking charges buses can offer significant savings compared with driving. And with singles fares in England capped at just £2 until 2028, buses have become more affordable for millions of people.

So this September, why not leave the car at home and give the bus a try? You might save money, reduce your environmental impact and discover a simpler way to travel. Most importantly, you’ll be supporting a transport network that benefits all of us.

But while buses have the potential to transform how we travel, years of underinvestment have left many communities without the services they need. Too many people still lack access to reliable bus routes, making it difficult to choose the bus instead of the car, even when they want to.

If the Government is serious about good growth in every postcode and creating a fairer, greener future, then we need to ensure every community has access to a regular, reliable and affordable bus service.

Because when buses thrive, communities thrive.

That’s why Catch the Bus Month is so important in providing an opportunity to challenge outdated assumptions and highlight the importance of buses.

“Catch the Bus Month 2026 is all about shifting the narrative and busting the myths around bus travel. Buses are affordable, accessible, sustainable and essential to the millions who travel on them every day, yet many people still don’t realise the positive impact they have on our lives, our health, our communities and the environment.” – Lydia Horbury, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK

Find out more about Catch the Bus Month 2026 and how to get involved through the website.