The UK Coach Operators Association (UKCOA) will formally launch on 18 January. It is an evolution of the London Tourist Coach Operators Association (LTCOA). The change of identity reflects expansion of LTCOA’s role into one that represents the views of coach businesses across the country.
Stephen Telling of Falcon Travel continues his role with LTCOA as UKCOA Chair. He says: “During the very challenging year of 2020, LTCOA continued to grow and evolve, with most new members coming from outside the London area.
“The membership suggested that we consider changing the name of the Association to recognise that we are now a UK-wide organisation. It also reflects how, as a result of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and the cessation of most work connected with tourism, members require assistance on other aspects of coach operation.”
UK Coach Operators Association ‘will work with industry partners’
UKCOA Director of Administration and Development Peter Bradley has stressed that the Association remains on cordial terms, and will collaborate, with the Confederation of Passenger Transport. UKCOA “will continue to work with industry partners to represent the views of its members and the coach industry,” the Association adds in a statement.
Those efforts will be directed at local and national governments and other stakeholders, “ensuring that the importance and standing of the industry is fully recognised.”
Transition to UKCOA comes while the Association has reached 50 members. That milestone was achieved recently when York Pullman joined. Membership services to be offered by UKCOA will include:
- Compliance assistance
- Crisis control
- A development group investigating Section 19 and Section 22 permit legislation and its enforcement
- A development group looking at future strategy for the coach industry in connection with emission control zones
- A PSVAR working group
- Updates on issues affecting the industry.
UKCOA board expanded to accommodate expansion
Besides Mr Bradley and Mr Telling, the extended UKCOA board is made up of Mark Anderson of Anderson Travel; Judy Dale, Royale European; Anthony Marett, Maretts Chariots; Andy Palmer, A Palmer Associates; Neil Pegg, City Circle; Peter Rice, Southgate and Finchley Coaches; Robert Whelan, Corbel of London; and Kevin Wilde, Mitcham Belle Coaches.
UKCOA will be launched on 18 January at 1030hrs via Zoom. Meeting ID is 874 7135 9706 and the passcode is 919513. Operators that are otherwise interested in becoming members of the UK Coach Operators Association should contact Mr Bradley via email or on 07802 679795.
