A new study suggests that a few smart changes in how we pay for bus rides and access real-time travel information could get more people to choose buses over cars.
In fact, researchers found that improving the passenger experience with modern technology could boost bus ridership by over 30%.
The study, published in Public Transport, focused on southern England and looked at what makes people avoid the bus and what might bring them back.
Researchers used survey data and advanced machine learning tools to figure out what matters most to passengers.
It turns out that simple things like how easy it is to pay for your trip and whether you know when your bus is coming can make a huge difference.
Dr. Wolfgang Garn from the University of Surrey, one of the lead researchers, said that the goal is to make bus travel feel smooth and stress-free.
“If paying for a bus journey feels complicated or outdated, people are more likely to drive instead,” he explained. “But with contactless payments, e-tickets, and mobile apps that show real-time updates, we can completely change how people experience bus travel.”
To reach these conclusions, the researchers used a new analytical method called Machine Learning Influence Flow Analysis (MIFA).
This helped them predict how changes in payment systems and information services would affect public opinion and behavior. The results showed that people are much more likely to choose the bus if it feels easy, modern, and reliable.
The study also pointed out current problems that turn people away from buses: confusing payment systems, unclear schedules, and worries about safety and delays.
But by introducing practical fixes like smartcard payments, mobile apps with live tracking, and better bus lanes to shorten travel times, cities can make public transport a real competitor to private cars.
One powerful idea is integrated ticketing—where one smart card or app lets passengers ride buses, trains, and trams without needing separate tickets or payment methods. This kind of system would make switching between different types of transport far easier and could attract many more riders.
Dr. Garn added that government policies need to do more to help different transport providers work together. When routes and fares are coordinated, and digital tools make travel easier, everyone benefits.
The message is clear: if we want buses to become a preferred travel option instead of a backup plan, we need to make them as convenient and dependable as possible. Smart payments and real-time information could be the key to bringing back bus travel in a big way.
