Incoming CPT President Ralph Roberts describes how even in his first month within the new role, his year was looking hectic
I think everyone in the coach and bus industry will agree that 2022 has got off to an extremely busy start. The latest wave of the pandemic might have meant that ridership and bookings have been lower than pre-Omicron, but the planning around how we deal with coming out of this has kept all of us on edge.
Challenge accepted
As I took over the reins of Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) President from Jane Cole in January, my year suddenly started to look full already.
That, though, is a challenge I relish. The three nations of Great Britain are all approaching the funding of the bus industry in different ways and while the bus users of these countries have little that separate them, the buses that they travel on will be under very different pressures.
It is at a time like this that a trade body such as CPT makes its value known. As close representation to government is made, CPT always understands the full UK picture, and can offer holistic advice to officials.
Thankfully, further funding for England has been announced. We can now continue to work hard on recovering ridership towards pre-pandemic levels and beyond. This funding will help to sustain bus services to communities up and down England until Bus Service Improvement Plans can be implemented that will drive up ridership, promote modal shift and assist in sustaining bus networks without direct support. This is about people, not buses or bus companies – we mustn’t forget that.
Engagement coming
By the time you read this I will have attended the CPT North of England dinner on 5 March and am looking forward to the CPT Midlands dinner on 25 March. I can’t wait to engage with operators around the country to hear what they think of current events. I will also be attending other regional meetings so please, don’t hesitate to talk to me.
As a bus operator who also operates coaches, I make sure that I update local authorities on coach related problems. I would urge all bus operators to do the same and use the access to decision makers that you have to make sure that coach is on the local agenda. If you are unaware of coach issues in your area, the CPT team will be only too willing to tell you or put you in touch with your local operator.
Team effort
Finally, I must say thank you to the CPT teams and the operators that give so much time to the various committees and working groups. It is you who make CPT what it is and is what makes me proud to say that I am CPT President.
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