The coach industry’s struggle to gain publicly visible political interest has been highlighted by polling of regular travellers by the mode conducted on behalf of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
That sits around perception of coach travel among frequent users where its is otherwise painted it in a positive light. Customers strongly approve of the mode’s value-for-money, convenience, accessibility (in being able to take them to places that are inaccessible by public transport) and its environmental benefits.
Findings were unveiled at the CPT Coach Conference on 27 November. Chief Executive Graham Vidler told delegates that coach is recognised so positively by its customers that the poll results would leave many other industries “green with envy.”
Respondents were also asked whether they view coach as an essential part of the UK public transport network, with around 66% saying that they do. But only 3% are aware of any politicians talking about coaches in a result that Mr Vidler says shows how efforts are still required to gain buy-in from elected representatives.
“We have to work harder and harder to get [coach] a seat at the political table,” the CPT CEO adds, noting how public perception of the mode having little traction in that area is “a shame.”
Despite that, some success has been had in recent years with raising the political profile of coach, and hope exists of that continuing in the Integrated National Transport Strategy for England, which is understood to have been delayed.
However, Mr Vidler told the conference of concern that achieving political engagement with the issues that face the coach industry remains difficult.
Those comments were made in response to a pre-recorded address from Minister for Roads and Buses Simon Lightwood. He informed delegates that long-overdue next steps for the PSVAR review are due “soon” and that the government is keeping an eye on decarbonisation in the coach industry.
Mr Vidler wrote to Mr Lightwood in February and gave four items that would help the sector. Despite that, the outlook on PSVAR and decarbonisation is no clearer, the CPT CEO says.
