The Minister visited Yorkshire to open the first panel discussions as part of the Governments plans to bring manufacturers around the table to help drive the UK bus sector forwards
A new UK bus manufacturing panel has launched to support British manufacturing by bringing together metro mayors and industry leaders in a move which the Government says will benefit passengers, support manufacturing, provide a boost for regional economies, create jobs and deliver on its ‘Plan for Change.’
The plans for greener bus travel, new UK jobs and bigger business were on the agenda as Government ministers met local leaders and industry bosses at the first UK bus manufacturing panel on 13 March. Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood hosted the debut event at Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield, alongside industry experts from organisations including Alexander Dennis, the Urban Transport Group and the Confederation of Passenger Transport.
Discussions explored ways of ensuring that the UK remains a leader in bus building while helping local authorities to deliver their transport ambitions. South and West Yorkshire Metro mayors Oliver Coppard and Tracey Brabin respectively also attended to discuss how they can work with the industry to supercharge zero-emission bus manufacturing and support jobs across the UK.
The Minister said: “It was great to kick off our first bus manufacturing expert panel today, bringing together leading bus manufacturers, metro mayors and industry experts to focus on cleaner air and improved transport across the country. By creating
a pathway for UK manufacturing growth, we are not just transforming our fleets – we are prioritising high quality buses that meet the needs of passengers, boosting regional economies to drive up living standards and putting a coalition of highly skilled manufacturers and passionate local leaders at the heart of our zero-emission future.”
The event featured a number of panels, with discussions including the importance of prioritising the manufacture of high quality, zero-emission buses across the regions. Manufacturers stressed the economic benefits of the technology felt by the workers building and using buses and said it had potential to support jobs across the country, and help the Government deliver on its promise of growth through its Plan for Change. Other discussions included how agencies can work together to build a ‘passenger first’ bus network, with enhanced accessibility and inclusivity.
The launch of the Panel precedes the planned Bus Services Bill which the Government says will be transformational for the bus industry, giving local leaders greater control over bus services and including
a measure to end the use of new diesel and petrol buses across England from ‘no earlier than 2030,’ alongside giving local authorities the power to operate their own services. It is currently progressing through Parliament and the Government says it wants manufacturers to have a seat at the table as forward-thinking measures on zero-emission buses are considered.
Director of the Urban Transport Group Jason Prince said: “The UK has a successful history of building buses and has the potential to be a global leader when it comes to manufacturing zero-emission buses. The Government’s new panel – of which we are pleased to be a part – will bring together leaders from across the sector to help secure the UK’s strong bus manufacturing position and to deliver new jobs, greener buses, cleaner air and regional economic growth.”
The Bus Services Bill will also introduce mandatory training for staff and drivers to tackle anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.
