NEARLY all the participants who took part in the latest survey said they were satisfied with bus journeys in the Bournemouth and Poole area.

The annual bus passenger survey showed that 93 per cent of respondents were ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied with bus journeys by Yellow Buses and Morebus.

Data were collected in the autumn last year, just a few months after Yellow Buses was bought out by its management team.

Survey results showed 91 per cent of people were satisfied with the companies’ ‘on-bus journey time’.

And 77 per cent were satisfied with the ‘value for money’. 78 per cent said they were satisfied with ‘punctuality’.

David Squire, Yellows’ managing director, said: “These are fantastic results with those for Bournemouth and Poole being among the highest in the country.

“Since the survey was carried out our punctuality has improved dramatically thanks to the changes we have introduced.

“Our staff have really pulled together and their efforts have led to the high scoring in this survey.

“Since the management buyout we have introduced sweeping changes to improve the service and we have added new routes.

“The full benefits of these innovations won’t be felt until the coronavirus situation ends.

“Until then we are carrying on as best as we can, helping key workers get to and from work on a revised timetable.”

Morebus declined to comment as they focussed resources on the coronavirus situation.

However, on their behalf, the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, said: “These results and high customer satisfaction show how valued bus networks are in communities up and down the country, even more so now as the nation pulls together to tackle the coronavirus crisis.

“All year round buses are the most important mode of public transport, particularly for those on lower incomes. Right now they are absolutely essential in getting key workers such people in the NHS and food supply chain to work.

“A strong bus network will be vital when the country comes through the current crisis. Buses will get us socially connected again and are a ready-made solution to the major problems of congestion, climate change and air quality which are harming our health, our economy and our way of life.”