Bath businesses are being asked for their views on the changing work patterns of their employees to help gauge post-Covid transport needs.
Independent research has been commissioned by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which includes Bath and North East Somerset, into the ways firms across the region plan to use their workplaces as restrictions ease.
The information provided will help predict likely commuting patterns and show how city and town centres might recover, so helping WECA, as the region’s transport authority, plan public transport to meet future demand.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris, pictured, who heads WECA, said: “During the pandemic working from home has become the norm for many people.
“Our roads became quieter as fewer people drove or used buses and trains to get to workplaces. As lockdown has eased it is important that we get a clearer picture of how workers and businesses plan to operate in the future.
“Has there been a permanent shift to more home working? Have commuting times changed? Will people be in the office part-time? 
“The information gathered will, in turn, will help us plan future transport provision, including investment in cycle lanes, safe walking routes, and better public transport.
“Plus, a permanent change away from a daily commute by car is good news for the environment.”
A cross-section of employers from around the region, including Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, will be asked to take part in the survey over the phone, but businesses also have the opportunity to take part online.
Survey questions will include:
- How many staff travelled into work before the pandemic?
- Estimates of how many will travel in over the next three, six and 12 months
- The types of transport employees are likely to use
- How workspaces have changed, for example by introducing of co-working/shared workspaces?
- Are staff encouraged to use sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling or public transport?
- How retailers and the hospitality industry expect footfall to develop in their areas.
The survey, which is being conducted by Devon-based independent research agency Marketing Means, is open until July 7, with the results available from early July.
A summary will be published on the WECA website and the findings used in the development of the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan in the autumn.
