Five million brits 'too posh' for public transport

• One in 10 Brits avoid buses, trains and tubes due to concerns over hygiene, overcrowding and a dislike of sharing space with strangers 
• One in seven (14 per cent) Brits admit they will not use public transport at all
• Direct Line Car Insurance offers customers a seven day repair service

New research1 by Direct Line Car Insurance reveals almost five million (10 per cent) UK adults are ‘too posh’ for public transport. 

The study highlights the nation’s reliance upon private transportation, driven by concerns about personal space, hygiene and the reluctance to share with strangers when using public transport. 

One in seven (14 per cent) Brits admit they will not use public transport at all, whilst a further 18 per cent take a bus, train or tube just once or twice a year.  When asked why they used these services so rarely, 24 per cent said they simply didn’t like using them and 12 per cent said it was too busy and uncomfortable. A germ phobic 11 per cent cited hygiene reasons and 7 per cent said they didn’t like sharing transport with strangers. 

According to the figures, 53 per cent of all Brits – including those who use public transport – say it’s too overcrowded, and 37 per cent have concerns about hygiene levels or the spread of germs. More than one in five (21 per cent) find public transport claustrophobic and an image conscious 9 per cent even cite concerns over the way they might look if spotted by someone they know on a bus, train or tube.

Public transport concerns

Source: Direct Line car insurance

Gus Park, Director of motor insurance at Direct Line, said: “While Britain does have its share of bus and train snobs, there are large numbers of people who refuse to use public transport because they consider it over-crowded.  With many rail and bus routes running severely over capacity, people will continue to rely on their cars unless ‘people congestion’ can be alleviated.

“The study highlights how much Britons enjoy and rely upon their own private transportation. Whether it’s getting to and from work or travelling to catch up with friends and family, having a reliable vehicle is extremely important for millions of people who feel public transport isn’t a viable alternative.”

With this in mind, Direct Line now offers its customers a seven day fix, which aims to repair cars within a week. If this doesn’t happen, the customer will receive £10 a day to a maximum of £70. The seven day fix covers all types of damage other than windscreens and it’s a UK wide network. 


               ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Direct Line commissioned Opinium research to interview a UK nationally representative sample of 2,002 people from 3rd – 5th December 2014 
2. Direct Line’s Seven Day Fix: ‘If we can't repair your car in seven days, we will pay you £10 a day, until the job is done, up to £70’
3. Terms and Conditions for Seven Day Fix: Applies to Direct Line Customers using our approved repairers once logged on garage system, does not include Public Holidays. Available in mainland Great Britain, except Inverness & remote areas of Scotland. Excludes write offs & windscreen claims. £10 payment starts on day 8 & is limited to £70. To meet our high quality & safety standards some repairs will take longer. See directline.com
 

For further information or a copy of the report please contact:

Charlotte Pascal
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Charlotte.pascal@citigatedr.co.uk 
0207 282 1021

Lucy Davies
Direct Line Insurance
lucy.davies@directlinegroup.com
01651 834 446


Direct Line
Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line. 
Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 
Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 300 7838 or visiting www.directline.com