Aim is to provide better access and information for tourist coaches and better meet the needs and requirements of coaches, drivers and passengers
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT UK) and Transport for London (TfL) have launched the Tourist Coach Action Plan, a strategy which sets out a list of achievable actions and goals designed to improve the experience for coach tour operators/drivers coming into the capital.
The five-year plan, which was formally launched at CPT’s annual Coaching Conference in London on October 29, builds on work previously carried out by the industry and focuses on a number of key areas:
- Providing better access and information for tourist coaches;
- Fully understanding the needs and requirements of coaches, drivers and their passengers;
- Improving the image of tourist coaches in London; and
- A commitment to achieving real change.
Speaking at the Conference, Chris Owens, Chairman of CPT’s Coach Commission said: “CPT, on behalf of the UK’s coaching industry, welcomes the launch of the Tourist Coach Action Plan for London.
“This plan is a real call to action, firmly setting out the roles and responsibilities that we all have in improving the complete coach travel experience in the capital. It outlines specific targets, actions and the timescales for achieving real change.
“For this Plan to succeed, all parties – including CPT, TfL, London Boroughs, stakeholders and of course coach operators – need to work in partnership to deliver these real benefits to the tourist coaching industry. We are fully committed to making this work.”
Garrett Emmerson, Chief Operating Officer for TfL’s Surface Transport, added: “Coach travel is hugely important to the overall economy of London, so it is very important for us to ensure we have clear goals to support this.
“We cannot achieve this alone but the Tourist Coach Action Plan will help support collaborative working between partners like the CPT, London boroughs and the tourist industry to help deliver a more positive travelling experience when visiting the Capital.”
