Request for support: Understanding bus use for older adults and those with disabilities in Essex
Posted on: December 22, 2025
On behalf of Rocket Science, Essex Alliance members are being invited to contribute to research commissioned by Travel Essex, on behalf of Essex County Council, alongside Integrated Transport Planning. The research will work with older people and people with disabilities to understand why bus use is currently lower and what could be done to improve it.
Due to short project timescales, a planning session will take place on 8 January 2026, from 1.30–3.30pm, at Essex County Council, and representation from the Essex Alliance would be greatly valued. Ideally, this would be someone with knowledge of organisations supporting older people and/or people with disabilities.
The session will focus on:
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The most effective ways to engage older people and people with disabilities in the research
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Insights into potential barriers to, and opportunities for, bus use that could help shape the survey
Why this work matters
Improving bus use among older people and people with disabilities is important for several reasons:
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Buses help people stay connected to friends and family. Lower use can increase the risk of social isolation, negatively affecting mental health and wellbeing, and placing additional pressure on adult social care services as people become less mobile.
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Buses enable access to health and care services. Reduced mobility can lead to higher costs for health and social care providers needing to reach people in their homes.
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Buses support access to high streets and retail centres, with lower patronage potentially impacting local economic development.
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Funding from concessionary bus passes is vital for the commercial viability of bus services. A reduction in trips risks the sustainability of routes across the network, affecting communities across Essex.
If you would like to take part please contact Maddy Thompson – maddy.thompson@rocketsciencelab.co.uk
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