Exploring Market Opportunities

Our Customer

Blackpool Transport Services operate a network of high frequency buses and trams across the Fylde Coast with 140 buses, 18 modern light rail trams and a fleet of Heritage trams.

They currently operate 14 bus routes, linking Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Thornton, Bispham, Poulton, Blackpool, St Annes, Lytham, and a tramway that extends 11 miles along the coast from Starr Gate to Fleetwood.

What we were asked

We were asked to undertake a study to provide a set of recommendations aimed at increasing patronage and improving passenger retention.

What we did

We undertook a baseline assessment of the business performance compared with suitable comparator operators; an analysis of sales by ticket type both on and off-bus; a study of patronage trends both globally and by ticket type and a review of service delivery efficiency data.

Our comprehensive on-bus survey of passengers across the operating network, coupled with an on-line survey, produced a significant response, providing a passenger age profile, the purpose of travel, confirmation of the high levels of satisfaction with the service, preferences for service improvements and awareness of recent promotions by channel.

Our approach included a demographic study of the local area to determine socio-economic factors affecting travel behaviour; looking at the population at large by age and gender; statistics relating to employment, education and training; earnings levels both in relation to ticket pricing and in comparison with neighbouring areas; details of the local bus market and market share; tourism numbers, footfall statistics and a review of the weather by month.

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Valuable Insight
Market Analysis
Fares & Ticketing