Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Keeping a close eye on the opinion polls: CPT

The prospects of a change in government are stronger than they looked a year ago. Whoever is in charge, CPT will be pushing for...
300 strong electric bus order order placed by National Express West Midlands

NXWM 300 electric bus order: A landmark moment?

The recent news that National Express West Midlands (NXWM) will order 300 battery-electric buses worth a staggering £150 million is a significant step in...

Some thoughts on my old stomping ground…

I write in response to the routeone industry expert column published in January’s issue. One must remember that The Highland Council had less choice of...

CPT President: As ever, a mixed bag lays before us

February is here already and much uncertainty remains over funding, air quality measures and priority. But there is cause for optimism, writes Ralph Roberts Here...

Driver recruitment and succession planning

This month, UK Coach Operators Association Managing Director Peter Bradley looks at the challenging issue of recruiting coach drivers In speaking to some UKCOA members...
Driver shortage is now a full blown crisis

Solving driver crisis key to industry business confidence

Business confidence across the industry has been in short supply for much of the past three years. Market research among a sample of operators...

‘Do not bite the hand that feeds you’

I think the coach and bus industry should not bite the hand that feeds it. The intemperate and, may I say, unpleasant characterisation of local...
Does the bus industry still have room for innovation?

Is there still space for innovation in the bus industry?

Martin Griffiths’ departure from Stagecoach following the company’s acquisition by German asset management company DWS Infrastructure in 2022 makes me wonder if Stagecoach is...

2023: A fresh perspective on coaches

In the last three months, I’ve been struck by the passion and dedication of the coach operators I’ve met in my new role as...
Agency PCV drivers require a structured approach

Agency PCV drivers: Striking a balance is imperative

It is fair to that that it’s very rare to set out to want agency PCV drivers – but with recruitment so challenging, do...
Leicester zero emissions bus centre of excellence

Government commits £815,000 for Bus Centre of Excellence

The government is today pledging £815,000 of investment for a new Bus Centre of Excellence to train and retain staff in the industry. The new...