Social network? We'd rather take the bus, say teens

Forget Twitter and Facebook — the capital’s buses are the new social network for teenagers.

Free travel means double and single-deckers have become the place to bond with friends, according to a study published today. Some young Londoners have even developed a “code of honour” for travel.

Getting on without your bus buddy, or leaving them behind, is regarded as the worst type of social betrayal among 12 to 18-year-olds.

Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and University College London have found group outings are essential for fostering friendships.

Some teenagers will wait several hours just so that they can travel with their friends. This behaviour is in contrast to adult commuters who will often do anything to avoid contact on public transport.

Dr Anna Goodman said the study showed that free bus travel has improved the social lives and independence of young people and should continue even in the current economic climate. The researcher from the LSHTM said: “Like Facebook, this is a way of keeping in touch with people who don’t live near you and improving your social life.

“Finances are absolutely key to this: it’s not a given that young people’s travel will be covered by parents, even wealthier ones.

“Equality for everyone is very important and free bus travel helps young people socialise and feel part of London. It means groups of friends can travel together without anyone being left out.”

The study was based on interviews with 118 young people. They were from inner and outer London boroughs including Islington, Havering, Sutton and Hammersmith and Fulham.

Transport for London introduced free bus travel for all under-17s in 2005. This has since been extended to include 17 to 18-year-olds in full-time education.

They are entitled to a special pass called the Zip Oyster Card.