The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Scotland flagship conference returns on 2-3 October in Glasgow. It will see industry stakeholders – including Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop – gather to discuss key issues for the sector under the title of Progress through Partnership.
2023’s event is the 45th CPT Scotland conference. It will draw operators, suppliers, local and national government and others to consider topics including decarbonisation, designing city spaces, and accessibility.
Also on the agenda are the recently announced Community Bus Fund, the Fair Fares review, and the Bus Partnership Fund. Other key speakers will include Traffic Commissioner for Scotland Claire Gilmore and public health expert Dr Margaret Douglas. Urbanist Brent Toderian will join remotely.
CPT Scotland Chair and First Bus Scotland Managing Director Duncan Cameron will host the conference. The two days’ discussions will bookend an Annual Dinner on the evening of Monday 2 October, which CPT describes as “the sector’s networking event of the calendar year in Scotland.”
Speaking about the return of the event, CPT Scotland Director Paul White says: “Our industry has faced some major challenges in recent years. But rather than dwelling on these, our conference is designed to spark discussion around how we move on and unlock the many benefits associated with coach and bus travel, and the different roles that we can all play in ensuring a positive future.
“Increasing the use of public transport, and especially bus, is key to cutting emissions and reducing car use, which will be critical if we are to realise climate change ambitions.
“Scotland has many positives to shout about, including the manufacture and operation of zero-emission buses, and free bus travel for under-22s, encouraging young people to choose the bus and foster a lasting commitment to sustainable travel.”
Support will be given to the Beatson Cancer Charity. CEO of that organisation Martin Cawley says: “We are very grateful to be the chosen charity partner for the CPT Scotland conference this year.
“Support like this allows us to continue offering our existing services and develop new ones to enhance the care and support that cancer patients and their families receive during treatment. Thank you to everyone who helps to raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity at the event.”
