The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has launched two new manifestos ahead of this year’s general election.
CPT’s new manifestos, which were announced at the trade body’s 2024 conference in London, demand that the next government prioritises the bus and coach sector with both a six-point plan to maximise the benefits of buses in Driving Britain Forward, as well as detailing how the UK’s coach network can provide access to everyone with Access All Areas.
Access All Area’s plan urges the government to issue clear guidance to councils with regards to the inclusion of coach services in local transport plans (LTPs), view coaches as part of the solution to local air pollution, work with industry leaders on a new net zero strategy for coaches, simplify legislations on accessible travel and further support an industry-leg workforce strategy.
Commenting on the launch of the manifesto for the UK’s coach sector, Graham Vidler, CPT’s CEO said: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’s six-point bus plan demands that the new government implements a five year funding settlement for the UK bus sector, targeted measures to ensure low fares upon the end of the national fare cap scheme, national and local targets to increase bus speeds, a new statutory, funded definition of essential bus services, a long-term government-industry partnership to support the transition to sustainable, zero-emssion bus travel, and finally, a workforce strategy led by the industry, supported by the UK Government.
Commenting on the launch of the manifesto for the UK bus sector, Alison Edwards, CPT’s Director of Policy and External Relations, 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.
