Research to improve the use of concessionary bus fares in Essex

From January and March 2026, we worked with Essex County Council to investigate why concessionary bus pass holders in Essex have been using the bus less since 2019/2020. Through a combination of survey and qualitative engagement with elderly and disabled groups across Essex, we identified the key barriers to concessionary bus use and developed potential solutions that would encourage pass holders to start using the bus, or to use it more often. We delivered this project in partnership with ITP, a specialist sustainable transport consultancy.

Our work included:

• Produced and distributed an Essex-wide survey that received 2,405 responses
• Completed qualitative interviews, focus groups, and visits with key bus pass user and non-user groups
• Facilitated interviews with key stakeholders from bus companies, the council, the healthcare sector and voluntary community sector to understand the challenges created by reduced bus pass use
• Ran recommendations workshops with a range of stakeholders to develop practical solutions to encourage increased bus pass use
• Analysis of survey findings and presentation to the council and stakeholders.

The difference we have made:

• Using evidence and learning, we worked with Essex County Council and key stakeholders to develop recommendations to increase the use of concessionary fares
• Gave clear evidence on the facilitators and barriers to using buses and the travel habits of older and disabled people in Essex
• Provided a succinct and accessible output for Essex County Council to be used in a range of settings.