The Association of Transport Coordinating Officers (ATCO) will be holding its annual summer event in Birmingham on June 19–21. The event will showcase good practice and offer practical advice on adapting services to ensure they are ‘Fit for the Future’.
However, it is not just the authorities who are challenged to reduce costs. Operators are being affected by BSOG changes and increases in fuel and staff costs, which means they are looking for ways to keep their business cost effective and profitable.
One key element of the ‘Fit for the Future’ theme is partnership, something colleague organisation the CPT believes in too.
One example partnership is in Essex, where thrice-annual meetings allow CPT members and council officers to discuss issues openly. The partnership goes further, with CPT invited to user planning group meetings to learn from their customers issues being faced and often simple solutions to combat those problems.
“Partnership is essential in transport,” said Tracy Jessop, ATCO Chairwoman. “We know just how tough things are but because we’re working together, we can pool ideas to design services which still keep customers at the heart of our thinking.”
Event speakers include Sir Brian Souter of Stagecoach and Alex Hornby of trent barton as well as Greener Journeys, VOSA and CPT. There will also be a special focus on DRT and School Transport.
