Following its annual conference on 18 January, the CPT has announced its priorities for the next UK Government, with the launch of its manifestos for bus and coach. ‘Access All Areas’ sets out how the next Government can help to unleash the full potential of the coach network, while ’Driving Britain Forward’ outlines six key points to unlock the economic, net zero and social well-being potential of buses.
In Access All Areas, the trade body is calling on the Government to back the UK’s coach sector by issuing clear guidance to councils to include coach services in their local transport plans, viewing coaches as part of the solution to local air pollution, working with industry on a net zero strategy for coaches, and simplifying the legislation on accessible travel.
CPT CEO Graham Vidler commented: “The coach industry is proud to be self-sufficient but engagement from the Government can take the power of coach to a whole new level. With the right support, coaches can connect even more people to more destinations, boosting local economies and massively cut carbon emissions. It is about time that this hidden gem of the British public transport mix is brought into the spotlight.”
Driving Britain Forward calls on the next Government to implement a five year funding settlement for the UK bus sector, including targeted measures to keep fares low when the national fares cap ends, national and local targets to increase bus speeds and a new statutory, funded definition of essential bus services. CPT Director of Policy & External Relations Alison Edwards said: “With a general election looming, as well as numerous Mayoral elections in May, CPT will continue to keep the pressure on current and future politicians to help us deliver more of the vital bus services that can revitalise local economies, keep communities connected and minimise the impact of travel on the environment.”
