AROUND nine out of 10 passengers are satisfied with their trips on both Morebus and Yellow Buses – but the number who said they were receiving value for money was much lower.

An annual survey found Morebus pulling ahead of Yellows as the operator that best satisfied local passengers.

Morebus’ score for overall satisfaction was up to 92 per cent from 89 per cent last year, while Yellow Buses’ fell from 93 per cent to 89 per cent.

The percentage of passengers satisfied with value for money was lower – 68 for Morebus, with three per cent very dissatisfied, and 59 for Yellow Buses, with 11 per cent very dissatisfied.

Satisfaction with punctuality was 75 per cent for both companies. The research was done last autumn when roadworks on the A338 Spur Road and at Hunger Hill in Poole were causing congestion across the bus network.

For both companies, 86 per cent of passengers were satisfied with journey times.

The national report, for Transport Focus, surveyed 536 passengers on Morebus services and 354 on Yellow Buses, with results weighted to represent the population.

Among the other findings:

  • Holders of free passes were more satisfied than those who paid for their journeys. There was 98 per cent overall satisfaction in Bournemouth and Poole among bus pass holders, compared with 87 per cent among fare-payers.
  • The least satisfied age group was ages 16-34. Eighty-two per cent of passengers in that are group were satisfied, compared with 93 per cent in aged 35-59.
  • Commuters were less satisfied than those travelling for other purposes – 86 per cent compared with 95 per cent.
  • Passengers with a disability were less satisfied than passengers overall – 87 per cent compared with 91 per cent.
  • Eight per cent of passengers said the behaviour of other passengers made them worried or uncomfortable.
  • Asked about the factors affecting their journey time, 28 per cent cited traffic congestion; 22 per cent mentioned passenger boarding time; 10 per cent roadworks; six per cent waiting too long at stops; three per cent said the driver went too slowly; and two per cent cited bad weather.

Andrew Wickham, managing director of Morebus, said: “I am pleased with the overall score for Morebus, which has improved by three percent over the past 12 months. It’s great that local people think so highly of us.

“We have made significant investment in new buses over recent years, and we are working closely with the local authorities in Bournemouth and Poole to ensure our customers enjoy reliable, safe and high quality services here.

“There is always more we can do to make travelling with us an even more pleasurable experience – the latest Transport Focus survey will help us work to identify any further areas of improvement.”

David Squire, managing director of Yellow Buses, said: “These are very positive figures showing an overall satisfaction rate amongst passengers of 89 per cent. Of course there is much to do and we are working hard all the time to improve our services.

“We have continued to invest and the rollout of contactless payment has been very well received, as has the Wi-fi and the updated website and mobile phone app.

“There have been various challenges including the increased congestion – especially that caused by the Spur Road works – so we have revised some timings to improve punctuality, which has already had a positive effect.

“The Transforming Cities Fund for transport investment allocated to Bournemouth, Poole and South East Dorset is something we very much welcome as it will assist us to drive up future satisfaction rates.”