Peninsula Transport, the sub-national transport body for South West England, has launched an online coach forum. It will bring together partners, coach operators and stakeholders to shape the future of coach travel in the region, with debut on 13 May timed to coincide with National Coach Week.
In early June, a virtual welcome session will be held to introduce the forum and its aims, hear from participants about their priorities and expectations, and answer questions and explore ideas for future content.
Registration to be part of the forum is free. A recording of the June session will be shared with those unable to attend. Expressions of interest in joining that event can be made when registering for the forum.
Peninsula Transport brings together transport authorities in Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay. Its coach-related work, which includes a coach action plan, has previously been outlined in routeone and launch of the online forum is one of four early action points relating to the mode.
Others are:
- Creating an information portal for coach operators
- Increasing the number of locations in the region that are accredited as Coach Friendly by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT)
- Conducting an accessibility gap analysis of the coach network.
Speaking about the online forum, Peninsula Transport Chair and Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport Cllr Mark Coker says: “We are excited to create a space for strategic collaboration on coach travel.
“This forum is about giving the region a stronger voice and ensuring that coach remains a key part of our transport future. It complements the Western Gateway sub-national transport body’s in-person coach forums.”
CPT has welcomed the forum. UK Coach Manager Phil Smith adds: “South West England is a key destination for coach tourism and our members are pleased that the region recognises the role coaches play in ensuring that visits can be made sustainably, which helps air quality and alleviates pressure on the road network.”
Register to be part of the forum here.
