Business confidence across the industry has been in short supply for much of the past three years. Market research among a sample of operators shows that it is coming back, and will continue to do so in 2023.
The overall picture remains fragile, with significant variation across segments. But optimism outweighs pessimism in all but one fleet size demarcation; even there, the two are broadly equal. News that the expected recession may now not be as severe as feared leaves further scope for positivity, although for the bus sector, the future hinges on long-term funding clarity.
Beyond that, the market research makes clear that driver recruitment and retention is at the heart of much of the other caution that exists. As an example, 79% of respondents have turned down work due to a lack of drivers.
One individual that recently sold a coach business cites staffing as among their reasons for exiting. A solution to the driver issue is difficult to foresee in the medium term, they add. Acceptance of antisocial hours has depleted and many employees who traditionally would have transitioned to part-time work in semi-retirement have gone entirely.
Some quick wins could be on the table relatively easily to at least stem the issue. The 50km restriction on the youngest PCV drivers needs to go immediately. Momentum is growing around that. But difficulties with staff are now a full-blown crisis for the industry, and all hands must go to the pump to solve it.
