CPT’s new Coaching Manager, Andy Shaw, will be seeking to raise the profile of the coach sector
For those who do not know me, my name is Andy Shaw and I have recently taken over the role of Coaching Manager at the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
Graham Vidler has let me hijack his column this month to introduce myself and outline some of my priorities for the coach sector.
Like many of you, I have been a coach and bus enthusiast since childhood.
After training as an engineer and moving into driving, I worked across the sector, from running coach tours for a holiday company to operating the Scotland rugby team coach, and most recently with Go South Coast in Poole, working for the late, great Andrew Wickham.
Andrew was an amazing leader who had an ability to get the best out of everyone in his team, from the cleaners in the depot to senior management.
It has been great to see the bus sector receive well-deserved support in recent years
From working closely with him, I have seen what it takes to be a respected leader in our industry and I hope that I can bring some of that to this new role.
When the Coaching Manager role at CPT became available, I saw a challenge I would relish. Already, in the first month, I know I have made the right decision.
My first few weeks in the role have given me the opportunity to assess the landscape and it is clear there is plenty for me to get stuck into straight away.
One of the more imminent issues I’m looking at currently is PSV Accessible Information Regulations for rail replacement.
With the deadline of 31 July fast approaching, I want to work with operators and the government to ensure coach providers know how to comply with the regulations without unnecessary cost or confusion.
On a more ongoing basis, a large part of my work will be focused on CPT’s Coach Friendly scheme, and I want to be able to award even more places across the UK with that status.
It’s important that we continue to acknowledge and build on good practice across towns and cities, and recognise more places which have worked on improving parking, passenger facilities and integration with local transport plans.
Meanwhile, one of the biggest issues currently facing our industry remains the approach to zero-emission.
We have made positive strides in reducing emissions in localised settings, but longer-distance services remain hard to decarbonise.
My other short-term objectives in this role are clear. I want to strengthen the positive relationships CPT already has with members and work with operators to improve Coach Marque.
These are practical, deliverable goals that will provide momentum towards medium- and long-term change.
A message to operators: running a coach business is a way of life, not a nine-to-five role. I know spare time is scarce, but engagement is crucial. Please get involved, meet us, tell your stories, and help build a strong collective voice to tackle the common challenges we all face.
A message to government: it has been great to see the bus sector receive well-deserved support in recent years – it is time coaches felt some of that love too.
Coaches deliver significant economic and social value to the UK and deserve the same level of policy attention and financial support.
All of that is to say that this role is not simply a job for me; it is a lifelong passion. I am excited to work with members, local authorities, and government to ensure the coach sector is seen, heard, and supported. Together we can make real, practical progress for operators and passengers alike.
