08 July 2025
Connecting our rural communities is crucial to opening up opportunities and providing more equal access for all. And buses can play an important role in joining up journeys across multi-modal travel patterns.

From hyper localised services to urban links and regionalised routes, buses are a lifeblood to many in society. If implemented correctly, they enable more efficient travel for work, healthcare, education and leisure. 

Through our work with public bodies and operators across the UK, our specialists act as advisors and planners for rural bus services. 

We support the design, justification and implementation of networks to ensure they’re viable, efficient and truly meet the needs of rural communities. 

SYSTRA at Quality Rural Bus 2025 

Quality Rural Bus 2025 will look at what is needed to enhance access and strengthen public transport links in less densely populated places around the UK.

This doesn’t mean only remote rural areas, but also city fringe and green belt areas where new thinking is needed to provide better routes and services. 

Hot on the agenda will be bus reform – does it go far enough? How prepared is the sector to deal with the anticipated surge in demand? What will be the wider impact of franchising? 

We’re proud to be a sponsor of the event and our specialists will be on hand to talk to attendees about the potential and opportunities for our rural bus networks.  

Join our Project Director, Cathryn Jones, for the Breakout 5 session looking at supporting regeneration, housing and growth. Cathryn will be showcasing our work on Traws Cymru Virtual Stations and innovative fare pricing before joining a panel discussion.

Learn more about SYSTRA’s commitment to bus service improvements here.

Quality Rural Bus is taking place at The Fielder Centre, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield Business Centre, on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Supporting effective bus ticketing and fare strategies

SYSTRA plays a crucial role in helping transport authorities and operators design, implement and evaluate effective ticketing and fare strategies.

Our specialists are trusted consultants, planners and technical advisors in the bus ticketing and fare space. They help clients create user-friendly systems to encourage public transport use.

The focus on system design, business case development and ongoing monitoring and evaluation post-implementation also helps support broader mobility goals.

  • services

Fares and Ticketing Strategy

Read more sur Fares and Ticketing Strategy
  • services

Transport Transaction Advice

Read more sur Transport Transaction Advice
  • services

Ticketing Technology

Read more sur Ticketing Technology

SYSTRA colleagues at Quality Rural Bus 2025

Cathryn Jones

Projects Director

Brian Drury

Director Bus Operations

Neill Birch

Business Director

Marc Winsland

Principal Consultant – Bus Operations

Delivering better bus services

We recently partnered with TransportXtra to run a series of articles presenting our expertise, analysis and insight into ways to deliver better bus services in the UK.

Marc Winsland looked at the role of partnerships, LTA decision making and technology in improving rural public transport.

There is a well-timed opportunity for greater collaboration to ensure joined-up thinking when it comes to a connected, cross-boundary network.

Read the articles below

A deep dive into Enhanced Partnerships and franchising

A deep dive into LTA decision-making and rural buses

A deep dive: rural buses and technology

Transport Futures – Can alternative fare and ticketing strategies revive rural bus patronage? Watch back our webinar

Watch back the webinar in full below. 

Downloads and Resources 

  • Publication

Concessionary Travel Leaflet

Read more
To rural communities and beyond article cover
  • Publication

To rural communities and beyond

Read more
Bus Franchising: One size does not fit all article cover
  • Publication

Bus Franchising: One size does not fit all

Read more
Competing with the car - the importance of integration article cover
  • Publication

Competing with the car – the importance of integration

Read more
A photo of hands holding on to the handles above their heads on a bus
  • Expert Insights

Maqbool ALIBHAI

Bus franchising: one size does not fit all

Read more
A photo of a bus stop post on the side of a rural road. The post is in some foliage and it says 'Bus stop both ways'.
  • Expert Insights

Marc WINSLAND

Rural buses: A lifeline for communities

Read more
  • Expert Insights

Richard JEREMY

A Reset of Rural Public Transport

Read more
quality-rural-bus-2025_page-header.j

Get in touch

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Contact Form Entry

Your Name(Required)
Don't miss anything, follow us on social media !