The impact of the quality of the bus fleet in the implementation of strategy of sustainable development of a region

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the condition of the bus fleet operated by the bus companies and its impact on the passengers’ decision about the choice of means of transport in the light of the strategy of sustainable development of a region and the European Union (EU) transport policy. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the legal documents of the EU relating to the implementation of the strategy of sustainable development of a region in a public transport. It shows the current condition of research on the shape of the bus fleet in bus companies in Poland, and on the basis of the analysis performed, it indicates the status of its operation and use. It also shows the results of a survey on factors which direct passengers when choosing a means of transport. Findings – The paper shows that the condition of the bus fleet is of great importance to the quality of transport services provided by the bus company and, as a result, to the implementation of sustainable development policy in a region. Practical implications – By pointing to the fact that the aim of the EU transport policy is to increase the role of public transport, strategic action should be taken to renew the bus fleet in the bus companies. Originality/value – The paper presents the need to adapt the condition of the bus fleet to the requirements of its passengers, which in turn will improve the attractiveness of bus transport and will increase the role of public transport in passenger transportation.