Local residents were asked to rate their satisfaction with bus services and transport information in their area.

In Brighton & Hove a total of 1,835 residents took part in the survey and 81% said they were satisfied with local bus services and 78% were satisfied with transport information.

These figures are up from surveys in 2003/04 and 2000/01 and well above average - nationally, satisfaction levels for comparable authorities are 62% for bus services and 54% for transport information.

Brighton & Hove City Council, along with all other local authorities in England and Wales, carried out the General Satisfaction Survey in the autumn.

Questionnaires were sent out to 5,000 randomly selected households across Brighton & Hove and 1,835 residents responded.

Other findings of the survey include:

• An increase in satisfaction with the city council’s waste recycling service.
• A total of 68% of respondents were satisfied with the doorstep recycling collection service, up 18% since the 03/04 survey. 65% were satisfied with local recycling facilities overall, up 10%.
• More than two thirds of respondents, 71%, were very satisfied or fairly satisfied with the city’s libraries – the figure is up 17% from 2003/4 and follows the opening of the Jubilee Library.
• 73% of respondents think the council treats all types of people fairly
• 67% think the council is working to make the city cleaner and greener
• The number of people who think abandoned and burnt out cars are a problem in their area has fallen by 22% over the last three years as a result of a citywide crackdown.

Brighton & Hove City Council leader, Simon Burgess, said, “Encouraging use of public transport and recycling waste are top priorities for the city and we are delighted with the high levels of satisfaction with these services.

“The survey is an important way of getting vital feedback from residents in the city, and a chance for them to tell us what they think, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to take part.

He added: “We are not complacent, we are studying the survey results closely and are continually striving to improve services and improve the quality of life for people in the city.”

Traffic congestion was identified as a priority for improvement by respondents and this is an area already being tackled by the city council.

A new Journey On transport campaign and website www.journeyon.co.uk launched last month is encouraging people to leave the car at home for short journeys to help the environment, get fit and save money. The website offers advice on the best way to travel from A to B on foot, cycling or by public transport.