Writer and performer George the Poet has written a poem to celebrate the way buses bring people together.

His piece, inspired by the crucial role buses played in his early life, celebrates the role buses play not just in taking us places, but bringing people together.

In it, George, who is from the St Raphael's Estate in Neasden, but went to Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, and later Cambridge University, explored the theme of building relationships on bus journeys.

He said: "Buses have played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today.

"During the hours spent on the bus, I would watch the world changing around me.

"I'll never forget how those observations would inspire new lyrics, and shape my understanding of different communities.

George the Poet saidGeorge the Poet said that buses have 'shaped' who he is today (Image: First Bus)

"Working with First Bus on this piece of work has been a great reminder of the importance of shared spaces for our local communities."

Research suggests we are more reluctant to speak to strangers than ever before.

Led by UK bus operator First Bus, a survey found that although 89 per cent of people believe a conversation with a stranger can lift spirits, equal amounts – 90 per cent – find starting such conversations tough.

Buses were thought to be important places to connect with your community, according to 83 per cent of people surveyed.

But small talk in these shared spaces seems to be fading, with Brits saying obstacles included not knowing what to say, feeling self-conscious, and tripping over words.

In response to the findings, Dr. Tara Quinn-Cirillo, a counselling psychologist, highlighted the importance of connecting with others and urged people to start conversations, however small.

She said: "Humans are inherently social beings, so a lack of purposeful connection can negatively impact physical and mental health.

"Most significant, is the high number of people who said that something as simple as connecting with someone on a bus had a profound impact on their life."

Simon Pearson, chief commercial officer at First Bus, added: "It is an honour to be able to partner with such a highly-esteemed creative like George the Poet to help sing all the amazing benefits of bus travel, and it’s a delight to see some true stories of our First Bus communities come to life through his words."