The 'new CPT' has perhaps given the industry a clearer voice, rather than a stronger one – and it seems to be working
Two weeks ago the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) ran what has been described to me as a “media masterclass” to take journalists through all the issues the industry faces, and how they could be resolved.
I’m told it was well attended, with even some of the national papers turning up.
I can’t remember the CPT ever doing a media masterclass before under any of its previous CEOs, so it really is venturing into new territory with its new CEO, Graham Vidler.
Clearer, higher-profile
As we all know, the aim of the review of, and subsequent changes at, the CPT were designed to give the industry a stronger voice. A desire to have a stronger voice makes me nervous as it can be interpreted as a desire to be more “shouty”.
But Graham strikes me as being a measured individual, clear in what he has to say and why.
I would say it’s not so much that the CPT now has a stronger voice, but rather than it now has a clearer and higher-profile voice. The difference, while subtle, is important.
Litmus test
The test now is whether local politicians who have articulated the case for franchising, or re-regulation, will actually listen to what the CPT has to say. That will be the ultimate measure of the success of the reorganisation.
I would have thought it’s almost certainly too late to stop Andy Burnham proceeding with his plans for franchising in Greater Manchester, so the real litmus test is whether 'new CPT', and the higher profile that it is undoubtedly developing, has any impact elsewhere.
It’s not only franchising on which the CPT needs a clearer voice and higher profile – there are many other issues the industry has to deal with. And let’s not forget coaches and the impact that a no deal Brexit could have on their operations.
Go regional
For now, the signs are that the CPT’s reorganisation is delivering on expectations. I have little doubt that the media masterclass a couple of weeks ago won’t be the last. But it’s important that this kind of initiative is taken out to the regions too.
The regional press needs to be engaged with and brought on board with the CPT’s messages – the likes of the Yorkshire Post, the Liverpool Echo, the Manchester Evening News, even the regional radio and TV.
But I have a strong hunch that I am teaching grandmothers to suck eggs.
I have a suspicion that Graham Vidler already has a plan to get out to the regions and spread the message far and wide, and won’t need any prompting from anonymous armchair commentators like me. I shall watch developments here with interest.
Meanwhile, when you read this we will be just a few days from hearing who has won the Conservative Party leadership race. My money’s still on Boris.
