Chapter 6: Travelling in the bus

The bus is the part of the bus system that people in general – and quite a lot of transport professionals – see as being ‘the’ bus system. It is everywhere; it works on our streets and should take us close to where we want to go. It is the primary means by which movement beyond the walkable can be achieved in a way which does not require capital investment on the part of an individual in order to use it. It is primary because it can be the most equitable means of motorised transport – but only if we design the vehicles to be accessible to all, not only in the sense of physical, sensory and cognitive capabilities, but also in terms of being affordable. It also only works properly for society if it is designed, operated and managed in combination with the associated infrastructure of bus stops and roadways.