Interactions Research is proud to be partnering with Meath County Council to deliver the innovative BusIt2School pilot project with primary schools in Navan. The ‘BusIt2School’ project is aimed at school children who are typically driven to school (and for whom walking and cycling are not practical) to learn and experience using the bus with the intention of changing long-term behaviour on how they travel.
Our Approach
Our team at Interactions Research developed a behaviour change programme using insights from in-depth research through surveys and workshops with pupils and parents. The findings revealed a range of practical and emotional barriers, from safety concerns and unreliable services to a lack of local public transport culture. Interestingly, for parents, ‘stranger danger’ was less of a concern than ‘messing’ and ‘bullying’ on the trip, and they felt that a practice run with their child would equip them better to use the bus on a regular basis.
To address these concerns, we designed a programme that goes beyond simple information campaigns. A Code of Conduct was developed as well as an information booklet for parents.
During our first Bus Orientation Day at Navan Educate Together National School, pupils took part in interactive learning that covered everything from Leap card use and route planning to role-play scenarios about personal safety and confidence-building, supported by An Garda Síochána and Bus Éireann staff. They then took a practice trip on the bus and took part in a quiz to test their knowledge.
Why This Matters?
The BusIt2School project aims to:
- Increase the number of students using public transport as their preferred mode of travel to and from school
- Reduce traffic around the school zone and pollution in the environment
- Encourage students and families to consider public transport as a means of transport for other activities outside school
Listening and Learning
Our research highlighted that for a programme like this to succeed, it has to do more than teach; it has to listen to pupils’ and parents’ concerns. Workshops with parents showed that decisions about school transport are largely parent-led, and any behaviour change has to address their priorities, like safety, reliability, and convenience.
To ensure the programme is inclusive, we also refined elements like the “Bus Champions” model (pupils leading by example) to make sure it works in a way that feels natural and supportive, not exclusive or competitive. Two Bus Champions were chosen on the day and they will facilitate and encourage bus use by their peers.
What’s Next?
Over the next few weeks, pupils in 5th and 6th classes in Navan Educate Together School will be encouraged to use the bus as much as possible. For every trip they make, they can enter a weekly prize draw to win a MiMeath voucher to spend in local shops and outlets.
We will then monitor the outcomes, comparing pre- and post-programme surveys, and gathering feedback from students, parents, and teachers. This will help measure the programme’s impact on attitudes, confidence, and actual bus use.
In September 2025, we will work with two more Navan schools, adapting the programme to their context and pupils’ needs.
Come back soon for more updates on this exciting behaviour change programme.
