Challenge

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is the strategic body bringing together local councils across West Yorkshire to plan and deliver projects that benefit the region. A key focus of WYCA’s ongoing work is public transport improvements, part of which will involve the replacement of approximately 500 ageing buses over time, as older buses reach the end of their useful life.

WYCA was keen to hear from current and future bus users about what they would like to see in the new buses in terms of design features and accessibility. It therefore commissioned Enventure Research to explore perceptions and expectations with a cross-section of West Yorkshire residents.

Approach

A qualitative approach was taken to the research, comprising a series of online focus groups and depth interviews. Participants were recruited to be representative of West Yorkshire, including a mixture of demographic groups, residents from all five local authority areas, and both frequent and infrequent bus users. Residents with disabilities, including those who use a wheelchair or walking aid, as well as those who travel with a pushchair were also represented.

Enventure Research worked with WYCA to design a discussion guide to explore current experience of using buses in West Yorkshire, views on a range of design considerations, and other issues relevant to the design of buses. Focus groups were delivered online by experienced moderators via Zoom whilst depth interviews were undertaken by telephone. Groups and interviews were recorded with participants’ consent.