Under-Secretary of State for Transport Simon Lightwood is “absolutely determined” to work with the coach industry and engage with its members, delegates at the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) conference on 23 January heard direct from the minister.
“Tell me what coach needs. Tell me what more we can do to support coach,” Mr Lightwood said in response to a question on the mode from CPT Chief Executive Graham Vidler. The Department for Transport (DfT) continues to engage “really well” with the bus sector, and it hopes to do the same with coach operators and their representatives, the minister adds.
Key to the case for coaches is a call for ideas as part of development of an Integrated Transport Strategy for England. It will aim to lay down how all forms of mobility can work together.
Services delivered by the coach industry are part of that, Mr Lightwood notes. The call for ideas has been extended until 20 February. “I want to make sure that the coach voice is heard loud and clear in that,” he says.
On wider political awareness of the industry and its needs, the minister reiterated a previous position “that coach would remain in my mind.”
Although government policy on reform of bus service delivery and funding in England is a major part of DfT work, Mr Lightwood told the conference that he does not want coach to “become secondary to buses, which has always been the historic approach.”
While the PSVAR review and long-awaited next steps on that seemingly difficult piece of work was not mentioned during his keynote address, sources close to DfT efforts suggest that word may be forthcoming in around April.
However, Mr Lightwood touched on proposals to amend some licensing restrictions for PCV drivers that similarly await a government response. Among the changes consulted upon by the previous government was removal of the 50km restriction from the youngest drivers when operating a regular or semi-regular service.
“We are looking at those responses actively, and will feed back accordingly,” he says, noting that the government is “acutely aware” of workforce difficulties in the coach and bus sector.
To contribute to the Integrated Transport Strategy for England call for ideas, visit the gov.uk website.
