1. Less air pollution
Less cars on the road equals lower air pollution as less fuel is burnt. When choosing to travel by public transport you are safe in the knowledge that you are helping to lower your carbon footprint. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nine out of ten people inhale polluted air that exceeds their safety guidelines, with a large amount of this pollution coming from vehicles on the road. Buses alone produce 40% less CO2 than cars, making them a more sustainable option.

2. Lowers congestion
Less cars on the road also means less traffic on them too. The average bus can carry roughly 50 people; therefore, one bus has the potential to take 50 cars off the road.

3. Increased fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is increased as less fuel will be used to accommodate more passengers. If you were driving your own car, you would fill it up with one weeks’ worth of petrol or diesel that may only be used to get you from A to B. Public transport services, such as the bus will take a larger number of people on the same routes with a lower fuel rate per passenger.

4. Cut out traffic jams
If you opt to travel by train, you will be cutting out the time you would spend sitting in traffic jams. This is the same for trams, although they do use the roads they take priority over cars, making your journey much more efficient. Cars sitting idle in traffic jams can produce up to twice the emissions than when the car is in motion.

5. It’s cheaper
With the cost of petrol and diesel rising it may be cheaper to look towards public transport. Train tickets can be pricey so travelling by bus or tram may be the best option. Also, you don’t have to pay for MOTs, insurance, fuel prices and parking charges.

6. Great for meeting friends…
For those that don’t or can’t drive public transport can give you an opportunity to go and see friends and family who may not live close by.

7. …and commuting
They are also a great way to get to work or to school, especially when it is an average UK day and you don’t want to get important paperwork or schoolwork wet.

8. Increases productivity
As you don’t have to keep your eyes on the road, due to someone else taking the wheel, you will gain extra time in the day to work, read, talk to friends, listen to a podcast or just catch up on some sleep. The only thing you need to remember to do (especially if you opt to sleep) is to get off at the right stop.

9. Local businesses benefit
On your walk to your bus stop or train station you are more likely to pass local shops and cafés. As you pass these shops you are more likely to do a bit of window shopping and in some cases, you may make a purchase. This will give a welcome boost to your local economy and the local shop owners you will be buying from will be incredibly grateful. If you do go and grab a drink, don’t forget to take your reusable coffee cup.

10. Increased health benefits
As you have to walk to the train station or the bus stop, using public transport can give you great health benefits. 3.2 million people die each year from inactivity, and the walk to your local station or stop can be part of the exercise you need to stay healthy.

11. Increased mental wellbeing
Public transport can be good for your mental health, as you no longer need to concentrate on the road or worry about what other drivers will do. You can sit down and relax knowing you will get from A to B safely.