Scots most comfortable of Britons about return to public transport

Scots would be the happiest in Britain to travel by bus and train again after lockdown restrictions are eased, a survey for official passenger watchdog Transport Focus showed today.

The poll found nearly one third of those questioned in Scotland – 32 per cent – were comfortable with the prospect against fewer than one quarter – 24 per cent – across Britain.

In the north-west of England, fewer than one in four people (19 per cent) were happy with taking public transport.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “Scotrail’s recent improvement in passenger satisfaction and punctuality before the coronavirus outbreak, and subsequent attention to detail of day-to-day operations, may have given great passenger confidence.

“After months of being told not to travel, people will understandably be wary about venturing out.

“Passengers will look to the Scottish Government and transport operators for reassurance that they can have confidence in using public transport again.”

The survey of 2,000 people, including 185 in Scotland, also found 39 per cent of Scots expected to work from home more often in the future.

Half – 51 per cent – said they would walk and cycle more rather than take public transport, and 57 per cent said they would drive more.

Transport Focus is calling for governments to ensure “active travel” – walking and cycling – is encouraged, to prevent more road congestion.

Across Britain, young adults were the most comfortable with returning to public transport – 40 per cent compared with just 16 per cent of those aged 65 or over.

Men were happier than women at the prospect – 28 per cent against 21 per cent.