CPT’s Moving Forward Together strategy has been well received by the industry, the media, and by politicians
With great anticipation last month, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) launched its new bus strategy Moving Forward Together.
The strategy, which contains a series of industry commitments alongside clear asks of government, has been envisaged for a long time and I would like to thank all of CPT’s members who contributed to a strategy which has been well received by politicians, the media and the wider industry.
It has been a busy time since the launch as alongside coverage in routeone the strategy was reported in places such as The Guardian and Sky News. We have also been discussing its contents with the highest levels of government.
I have been to see the Prime Minister’s transport adviser twice in recent weeks to discuss how we can turn vision into reality. I’m also due to meet Buses Minister Baroness Vere shortly to build on her positive comments at our launch.
Engaging with Labour
Given the likelihood of a General Election in the not-too-distant future, we have also been engaging with the Labour Party. It has a credible chance of forming the next government and we want to see whoever has the keys to No. 10 putting bus policy at the heart of their plans.
CPT’s External Relations Manager Tom Bartošák-Harlow was at the Labour Party Conference speaking to politicians about what we want to see from a Labour government to help deliver the strategy’s ambitions.
For those of you based in Scotland and Wales, please be reassured that our Scottish and Welsh teams are also working hard on translating the strategy into policy that works in Edinburgh and Cardiff.
Coach strategy
Turning to coaches, in the next few months we will be producing a coach strategy, and we want your input into its contents. For those of you reading this at Coach & Bus UK please do pop into our stand to tell us your priorities. If you miss us at the show, please get it touch regardless.
The coach strategy will showcase everything that the coach industry offers to passengers and wider society.
Whether it’s getting children to school, keeping rail passengers moving during engineering works or getting people to attractions, coaches have a huge role to play – and whatever the journey purpose – coaches tackle congestion and minimise air pollution. We all know that; making sure everyone else knows it will allow CPT to champion policies to government that will have real benefits.
This column is making a regular return to routeone and I’m delighted we have such a close relationship with Tim and the team. It is by working together as an industry that we stand the best chance of ensuring that the policies introduced by government help us provide affordable and reliable journeys across the country.
