Long-awaited overhauls of the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) and concessionary travel scheme in England are being “progressed”, promised Under-Secretary of State for Transport Guy Opperman in delivering a recorded video message at the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Conference in London today.
In a two-and-a-half-minute-long address, the roads minister failed to offer further detail on timescales for the reforms, which in the case of BSOG is well overdue.
In concluding, Mr Opperman said: “We’re progressing long-term systematic reforms to the Bus Service Operators Grant and the concessionary travel scheme.”
Although not available to join Shadow Transport Minister Simon Lightwood at CPT’s 50th anniversary event, Mr Opperman used the occasion to deliver an upbeat assessment of the state of the coach and bus industry.
He told delegates: “Thanks to your hard work and your dedication, the sector has made a genuinely strong recovery. We’re seeing patronage approaching and even exceeding pre-COVID levels in some areas. And over the last year you’ve turned your attention to renewal.
“You’re delivering so many important initiatives, whether that is improving passenger experience, supporting local jobs, driving economic growth, getting people moving or helping people to get around for the £2 subsidised fare.
“We’re delivering £1 billion worth of Bus Service Improvement Plan investment and we’re rolling out more zero-emission buses. At the same time, we’re working closely with local transport authorities to address specific local needs.”
He added: “I believe 2024 promises to be a year filled with progress and innovation for the country’s favourite mode of public transport and I look forward to working with you all to providing better services for passengers, to drive up growth and to reach our shared ambitions.”
With Labour likely to take over in government later this year, the opposition’s plans for coach and bus was a big theme of the conference, with Mr Lightwood taking questions from CPT members.
Ahead of a general election later this year, CPT’s conference launched its manifestos Access All Areas and Driving Britain Forward, which lay out its calls for present and future governments on behalf of the coach and bus sectors respectively.
More news from the CPT Conference will follow in the coming days.
