Graham Vidler relates recent developments, including a chat with new Buses Minister Richard Holden and work in anticipation of the Autumn Statement
After a turbulent few weeks in Westminster, government appears to be more settled. With Rishi Sunak as our new PM, we’ve had another reshuffle.
Mark Harper is now at the helm of the Department for Transport, replacing AnneMarie Trevelyan as Secretary of State. We look forward to working with the MP for the Forest of Dean to make sure coaches and buses play their full part in the development of the nation’s wealth, health and important climate change work.
And, for the first time in three years, we have a new Bus and Roads Minister. While Baroness Vere remains in the DfT Ministerial team, she has a new brief. We are very grateful for her support and wish her well in her new role.
It means that Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, is now in charge of our sector. I was delighted to catch up with him on his second day in the role at Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham on 2 November.
It was clear our new Minister is enthusiastic about public transport. He talked
passionately about services in his own constituency.
He shared our view that Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) members play a vital role in stabilising and growing our economy. We also emphasised the importance of coaches and their positive impact on society, especially for the tourism sector. Over the next few months, we are looking forward to getting the Minister out and about to see the great work of CPT members in keeping communities connected.
At the time of writing, the highly anticipated Autumn Statement is still to be announced. We know our sector has an integral role in helping boost the economy, reduce CO2 emissions and generate health benefits.
This is why, both behind the scenes in Westminster and in public, CPT is calling on the Chancellor to provide a longterm funding package for bus passenger services. This funding programme involves tackling chronic congestion and poor air quality by completing the National Bus Strategy by rolling it out across all parts of the country. We’re also highlighting that £250m is needed in the
