The newly commissioned research by First Bus, one of the UK’s largest bus operators, reveals that the bus is a place where chance encounters evolve into lasting friendships.

However, despite Bristolians’ well-earned reputation for being friendly, Londoners have taken the top spot as the research reveals they make the most friends (46%) on the bus.

Regions most likely to make friends on the bus:

The newly commissioned research by First Bus, one of the UK’s largest bus operators, reveals that the bus is a place where chance encounters evolve into lasting friendships, with over one in five (21%) of those in the South West stating they often meet new people on the bus. 

Also perhaps surprisingly, Londoners make the most friends (46%) on the bus despite being stereotyped as one of the most unfriendly regions in the UK, with the warmth of the Welsh coming in closely behind at 40%. 

Scots are shunning striking up conversations with strangers in favour of plugging in their headphones or burying their heads in books while travelling on public transport as new research shows they are the region least likely to have made long-lasting friendships with people they have met on the bus.

London, UK, 9th December 2024 – First Bus, one of the UK’s leading bus operators, today announces a major milestone on its business transformation journey, as the company launches its new campaign, ‘Moving the everyday’, and reveals a modern update to its iconic branding and logo.  

London, UK, 9th December 2024 – Instead of plugging in headphones or burying heads in books while travelling on public transport, Brits are actually striking up conversations with strangers, as new research shows nearly three in 10 (30%) have made long-lasting friendships with people they have met on the bus.

The newly commissioned research by First Bus, one of the UK’s largest bus operators, reveals that the bus is a place where chance encounters evolve into lasting friendships.

Marsh Lane due to roadworks

Service 364a is unable to serve Marsh Lane and will divert via High Street & Marsh Lane (Partial) in Arksey for the remainder of today service

Following the announcement of the UK Government's £3 bus fare cap, we're making some changes to our fares from 1st January 2025. We're also simplifying how you're charged, and Single journeys will now cost £2.40 or £3, depending on the distance travelled. 

Adult short hop fares - for journeys up to three miles - will be £2.40, and longer journeys will align with the UK Government’s £3 flat fare cap in England, with a maximum single fare of £3 for journeys above three miles. Child fares have been simplified, at 50% less than adult single fares.

Most single bus journeys will continue to cost a maximum of £3 until 2027 through the government’s National Bus Fare Cap scheme.

Please see below for your latest fares from August 2025:

Following the announcement of the UK Government's £3 bus fare cap, we're making some changes to our fares from 1st January. We're also simplifying how you're charged, and Single journeys will now cost £2.50 or £3, depending on the distance travelled. Adult short hop fares - for journeys up to three miles - will be £2.50, and longer journeys will align with the UK Government’s £3 flat fare cap in England, with a maximum single fare of £3 for journeys above three miles.

Child fares have been simplified, at 50% less than adult single fares.