Long-term funding, a roadmap for zero-emission coaches and buses, and action to solve driver shortages are amongst the calls to the next Prime Minster from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). The trade body has written to the Conservative leadership candidates in an open letter, highlighting the support the sector needs to maximise its contribution to the national challenges of cost of living, levelling up and net zero.
In an extract from the letter, Graham Vidler, CPT’s Chief Executive said: “As you seek to become our next Prime Minister, we ask that whichever of you is successful takes action in the following areas to ensure that the UK can deliver on its potential.”
He went on to list a number of key goals:
- Provide stable and long-term BSIP (Bus Service Improvement Plan) funding across England, accelerating bus priority measures and introducing policies that will deliver faster and more attractive services to get people out of cars and onto buses and coaches;
- Working with the CPT to develop a fully funded, long-term roadmap for the delivery of zero-emission buses, coaches and infrastructure;
- Take immediate action to help the industry solve driver shortages – which the CPT says is currently approximately 10%, to mirror the effort put into recruiting new HGV drivers;
- Work with the industry to rebuild passenger confidence with a strong pro public transport message that encourages passengers back on to buses and coaches.
