The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has called on the new government to heed its promises made before the General Election and to “deliver policies that will encourage more people to use a coach or take the bus.”
Speaking soon after the Conservative landslide became apparent, CPT Chief Executive Graham Vidler congratulated Boris Johnson on his victory but cautioned that the “serious work of government” must now begin in earnest.
“Before the election, the Prime Minister put bus at the heart of his transport policy. We need to see this continue,” says Mr Vidler.
“That includes putting the coach and bus first in towns and cities, an immigration system that ensures operators can employ the people they need to drive and maintain vehicles, and delivering the much-promised National Bus Strategy and long-term funding settlement for the industry.”
In its manifesto, the Conservative Party promised to give city regions the funding they need to upgrade their bus services “to make them as good as London’s.”
The document also pledged investment in so-called Superbus networks with low fares and increased frequencies. Protecting rural bus services, reducing journey times and investing in electric buses – including creating the UK’s first all-electric bus town – are other manifesto commitments.
The first Superbus network pilot will be in Cornwall. Before the General Election, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps promised that it will be rolled out next year. He also committed to £30m to improve and restore services, a £220m funding settlement and to delivery of the National Bus Strategy.
