Public satisfaction with Stagecoach continues to increase says survey

Independent research by consumer watchdog Transport Focus has shown that satisfaction with Stagecoach Oxfordshire services has risen to 91 per cent from 89 per cent in the previous year.

Satisfaction levels have increased year on year since 2015 across all categories including safe driving, with scores moving closer to 90 per cent, and value for money, which has seen a significant jump from last year.

Nationally, Britain’s biggest bus and coach operator recorded the biggest improvement in overall passenger satisfaction of any major UK operator.

Customers also rated Stagecoach as the best value of the major UK bus operators, for the fifth year in a row. In Oxfordshire, over two thirds (67 per cent) said they were satisfied with the bus operator’s value for money.

Stagecoach in Oxfordshire managing director, Martin Sutton, said: “These independent results are a fantastic endorsement of the hard work of our employees across the UK and here in Oxfordshire in delivering better bus services, better customer service and industry-leading value for money.

“Oxfordshire has endured a series of roadworks over the last year while congestion continues to be an issue. We’re delighted that our customers remain loyal and continue to feel satisfied with our services despite the challenge we’ve faced in the city over the past 12 months.

“We know there is still more work for us to do, and we need to work together with local authorities to address the impact of car congestion. Congestion is damaging local air quality, slowing bus journey speeds, holding back our economy, and pushing up the cost of transport for local people.”

The results also showed passengers were more satisfied with punctuality than during the previous year, up from 71 per cent to 75 per cent and 88 per cent of Stagecoach customers in Oxfordshire reported being satisfied with the safety of the driving on their journeys.

Improvements Stagecoach has made include a smartphone app which provides customers with journey planning, next-stop information and live bus tracking, and enables people to buy and download bus tickets straight to their mobile phone along with acceptance of contactless payments with Apple Pay and Android Pay.

For more information about Stagecoach bus services visit www.stagecoachbus.com