Case study · Transport and travel
Passenger insight shapes new buses for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network
Qualitative research with current and future bus users explored design and accessibility priorities ahead of the replacement of around 500 ageing buses.
AudienceCurrent and future bus users across all five West Yorkshire local authority areas
ApproachFour focus groups and two depth interviews
Value to West Yorkshire Combined AuthorityPassenger evidence to inform the design of future electric buses for the Weaver Network
The brief
- WYCA is planning the gradual replacement of around 500 ageing buses as part of wider public transport improvements
- It commissioned Enventure Research to understand what current and future passengers would like to see in the new vehicles, particularly around design and accessibility
The approach
- Four focus groups and two depth interviews were undertaken
- Recruitment covered all five West Yorkshire local authority areas and included different ages, genders, bus-use frequencies, people travelling with pushchairs, and people with a range of disabilities and mobility needs
- Discussions covered a wide range of practical, design and accessibility considerations, including seating and layout, visual requirements, heating and temperature, verbal and visual announcements, accessibility features, and other aspects of the on-board environment and passenger experience
The outcome
- Participant feedback was analysed thematically and reported in detail, supported by anonymous verbatim comments
- The research highlighted passenger priorities and accessibility needs
- The findings will support WYCA in ensuring future bus designs better meet the needs of passengers across West Yorkshire