Businesses across Bath are being asked for their views on the changing work patterns of their employees to help gauge future transport needs in the region.
The West of England Combined Authority has commissioned independent research into how employers plan to use their workplaces as Covid-19 restrictions ease.
The information provided will help predict how city and town centres might recover, including commuting patterns.
This will help the Combined Authority, as a regional transport authority, to forward plan public transport to meet future demand.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris 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 across the region will be asked to take part in the survey over the phone, but businesses also have the opportunity to take part online by clicking on this link.
The survey is being carried out by independent research agency Marketing Means. It is open until 7th July 2021 and the results of the survey will be available in early July.
A summary of the results will be published on the Combined Authority’s website.
