An invitation for the Transport Minister to visit a Buckinghamshire coach operator was accepted last week
On Thursday 24 June Transport Minister Baroness Vere visited Masons Coaches in Buckinghamshire to hear how the Government can help back Britain’s coaches as the country emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The visit included a coach ride with Masons’ customers, a meet and greet with the Masons team and a round-table discussion on how to encourage more coach travel both in the immediate future and for the longer term, joined by the CPT, local Member of Parliament Greg Smith and Visit Buckinghamshire.
The Minister was also shown the practical challenges of deploying wheelchair lifts where there is insufficient roadside space, and heard directly from customers about how the accessible, affordable, and inclusive nature of coach travel ensures they can see family and friends and enjoy a day out.
The CPT’s Head of External Relations Tom Bartošák-Harlow attended on behalf of CPT and following the visit said: “I’m delighted CPT was able to work with Masons to arrange this visit which was an opportunity for the Minister to hear about the value of coach travel from customers and those promoting places and attractions across Buckinghamshire.
“We know that where coach-friendly polices are implemented an increase in visitor numbers follows, helping grow the local economy without the problems of worsening air quality and congestion from increased car journeys. Our message to the Minister was to work with the industry to back a return to coach travel and deliver coach friendly policies across the country like those we have recently seen in Blackpool.”
Director of Business Operations at Masons Candice Mason said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Baroness Vere to Masons today. She was able to hear directly from our customers about how much they enjoy travelling with us to places and attractions locally and further afield.
“Many of our customers are keen to get out and travel but they need the confidence to do so. It’s crucial that the Government works with the industry to provide this and actively encourage customers to return as we complete the unlocking roadmap.”
