Buses are a hotbed of gossip and a place to find true love, according to a new survey.

In a bid to promote public transport, Arriva, which runs services all over Essex, has launched a national campaign to encourage more people to consider the social benefits of travelling by bus.

More than 1,000 buses are sporting posters which depict snippets of conversations overheard by fellow passengers and suggest that bus travel can help you see more of life.

Steve Clayton, Arriva's managing director, said: "Independent market research has indicated that people who travel by public transport are more likely to have a stronger community spirit and better social skills."

The research, commissioned by Arriva, also revealed 80 per cent of people cited bus travel as less stressful than driving and 90 per cent welcomed thinking time journeys provides.

Around 77 per cent of women and 57 per cent of men told researchers they strike up conversations with fellow passengers.

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