Various ways in which to respond to proposals that will place CPT at the heart of industry debate
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) is urging all of its members to respond to a consultation on the future of the organisation that was launched last week at Euro Bus Expo.
A number of proposals are contained within the document. Among them are the creation of two new units within CPT: One handling external relations and the other with an operational and member services mandate.
December response
Launch of the consultation follows news that at least one of the Big Five bus operators had pushed for change at CPT. The deadline for responses is 30 November and they can be made either online or via hard copy.
The CPT Council will meet in mid-December to assess all responses and compare them to the consultation’s proposals. A formal decision on the future direction of the Confederation will be made at that time, says Interim CEO Peter Gomersall.
“Already, a lot of soundings from members have gone towards shaping the consultation document. We believe that we have a solid proposal that will go a long way towards meeting our members’ varying needs of a trade organisation,” adds Mr Gomersall.
A new Chief Executive will be named following the consultation. “The vast majority of the new post holder’s time will be occupied by engaging with government and other stakeholders and representing our members,” he continues.
Coach commitment
CPT President Martin Dean adds that the organisation is committed to its members in the coach industry, and that establishing an external relations unit with four members of staff – which will be led by the new Chief Executive – is key to that promise.
“This proposed unit will have more resources than external communication at CPT currently does,” says Mr Dean. “We recognise that we must strike the correct balance with politicians and stakeholders and that we must influence debate that will affect the coach and bus industry, rather than responding to it.”
Additionally, the proposed unit will take advantage of new forms of technology. Mr Gomersall points to a recent webinar involving transport solicitors Backhouse Jones, which was well received by members, as an example of that, although regional meetings will continue.
Other key members’ services that will remain under the proposals include:
- ‘Crisis line’ telephone support
- The Compliance Manual
- The Coaching Executive position
- Arms covering Scotland and Wales respectively
- A position with responsibility for European affairs.
An agile structure
As part of the consultation process, Mr Dean and Mr Gomersall will attend a number of workshops around the country during November to discuss CPT’s proposals with members. Additionally, a webinar will be hosted that focuses on the consultation.
“We want to create an agile structure for CPT that will allow decisions to be made more quickly. It is vital that all of our members have a say in this important process,” says Mr Gomersall. “We recognise that compliance, membership and operational services are of huge importance to members. Under the proposed new structure, they will continue to be provided. We encourage as many responses as possible and we promise that all will be considered by the CPT Council.”
