What Is ‘Chatty Bus’?

Chatty Bus is a community-driven initiative that helps tackle loneliness and social isolation by encouraging friendly conversations on public transport. Research has shown that 1 in 3 individuals get the bus for social interaction, and that loneliness is on the uprise with 25% of adults reported feeling lonely either “often or always” or “some of the time” in early 2025 (Office for National Statistics). By turning everyday bus journeys into opportunities for connection, Chatty Bus helps build stronger, more compassionate communities. With the support of trained volunteers and local charities, this program creates a welcoming space where passengers can feel seen, heard, and valued—one chat at a time. At Go North West, we bring this to life through a variety of engaging formats:

• Route Chatty Buses: Volunteers ride regular service buses, chatting with passengers along the way as research shows that 1 in 3 individuals get the bus for social interaction.
• Static Chatty Buses: Parked in town centres to connect with people who may not be regular bus users.
• Private Chatty Bus Trips: Special outings for groups at greater risk of isolation, where our Chatty Champions provide companionship throughout the journey and destination.

Our Chatty Bus Partners

Age UK

Recognising the growing issue of loneliness—with a 43% increase in chronic loneliness in over-50s since 2016—Go North West partnered with Age UK to deliver meaningful Chatty Bus experiences that make a real difference.

Together, we’ve carried out several successful initiatives:

• Route Chatty Buses on services 605, 615 and 640 in collaboration with Age UK Wigan, where volunteers engaged with passengers during their journeys.
• A Static Chatty Bus in Wigan town centre, offering a welcoming space for conversation with those who may not regularly use public transport.
• A Private Chatty Bus Fish and Chips Trip in April 2025 with service users from Age UK Farnworth. The trip included:
  
  • Pickup by one of our buses and the opportunity to chat with our Champions on board.
  • A fully funded lunch at Olympus Fish and Chip Shop.
  • Optional shopping time in Bolton town centre, supported by our Chatty Bus Champions.
  • Return transport to the Age UK Centre.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing how uplifting it was to enjoy a day out, share new conversations, and complete errands that might otherwise be difficult. These moments of connection are at the heart of what Chatty Bus is all about.

Rochdale and District Mind

Rochdale and District Mind

Loneliness is more than just a feeling. It can negatively impact both physical and mental health, contributing to conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, stroke, diabetes and dementia. This is what lead us to partnering up with Rochdale and District Mind  on World mental Health Day 2024, to deliver a Chatty Bus experience on route 471. On this day, bus fares were free whilst the Chatty Bus initiative was taking place in order to encourage individuals to get our of their house and come for a free ride and a chat. Over the course of five hours, our Chatty Bus Champions held more than 30 meaningful conversations with members of the public, creating a warm and welcoming environment for open dialogue.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one participant sharing:

“It’s been a lovely experience to talk to someone who cares.” 

Through these conversations, the initiative not only fostered connection but also helped raise awareness of vital mental health resources available locally for ongoing, long term support.

Tameside and Glossop NHS Charity

In February 2025, we teamed up with Tameside and Glossop NHS Charity to bring the Chatty Bus experience to route 387. This route was chosen due to going via the hospital, in an attempt to reduce some of the negative and isolating feelings generated from hospital visits. The event focused on the power of everyday conversation to uplift and connect people within the community.

Charity Manager Emily Burgin captured the spirit of the day, saying:

“It’s amazing how a quick chat can lift your mood. We’re so proud to help people connect and get to know our local community more.” 

Passengers were encouraged to go beyond small talk, creating space for genuine connection. One regular rider shared:

“I always use this bus on Tuesdays and Thursdays and sometimes at the weekend. I know everyone that gets on it and it’s lovely. It’s been great to talk to you on the bus as I do get lonely at home, so it’s been a nice change.” 

This initiative highlighted how even brief interactions can make a meaningful difference—reminding us that connection can be found in the most everyday places.

If you are a charity and would like to get involved, please contact [email protected] to see how we could work together to address this issue, one Chatty Bus at a time!