The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) through its Zero Emission Coach Taskforce (ZECT) is seeking industry-wide input in a bid to create data on coaches that will be put before the Department for Transport (DfT). It is being collated via a survey.
A robust submission is needed to further discussions around the adoption of zero-emission coaches, CPT says. The Taskforce has thus far identified that a lack of general data around the coach industry is an obstacle. CPT’s survey aims to remedy that and among its aims is to help define a specification of a what is needed of a zero-emission coach
Results from the survey will provide the government with “an insight into the coach sector.” That sits alongside an aim of enabling ministers to better understand coaching and helping them to “make recommendations for future supportive measures.”
CPT has extended the closing date for the survey to 15 December. Data can be submitted by all members of the coach industry, not just CPT members. Questions seek information about the business concerned, its fleet, and services operated. All data will be anonymised and kept confidential.
Policy Manager Rebecca Kite says that it is “absolutely vital” that ZECT’s work is supported by robust and accurate information on coaches to present to government.
Ms Kite adds: “This data will enable us to develop a specification for what a zero-emission coach needs to deliver, and it will assist us in our discussions with government to ensure that the sector gets the supportive measures it needs to transition to zero-emission alternatives. Any data that operators can submit will ensure that their voice is heard.”
Earlier this year, ZECT submitted its first report to DfT. It was “warmly received,” ZECT Chair Ian Luckett noted at the time, but highlighted that the biggest uncertainty around zero-emission coach operation was which technology will best suit the sector.
