We want the new government to understand the challenges facing the coach industry, as well as the vital role it plays in the wider economy. We stand ready to work with the government from day one.
Coach travel plays a unique and often underappreciated role in the UK economy and environment. 3,000 coach and minibus operators in the UK directly support over 42,000 jobs, contributing £16 billion to the UK economy. The contribution to the UK economy directly through coach tourism alone is over £8 billion. Coach tourism is a significant market and with further collaboration and support from decision makers, it has huge potential to grow further in the years ahead. We want ministers to collaborate with and work alongside industry to invest in our road infrastructure including improved port and border facilities, roadside facilities and more safe and secure parking for drivers. Our road network connects towns, cities, communities and businesses. For an economy to thrive, we need roads that are fit for purpose throughout the UK network.
The coach and bus industry has an estimated shortage of 5,000-10,000 drivers. When we talk about the long-term, addressing these skills shortages to build the foundations for a future workforce is essential. We’re calling on government to extend the Skills Bootcamp course and we also want it to remove the current restrictions on 18-year-old drivers — making coach driving a career choice for school and college leavers.
On the road to net-zero, the industry needs action from government to stimulate the development of battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-electric coaches, with a focus on the role coaches play compared to other vehicles. We want to see updated guidance on clean air schemes to ensure that coaches are not unfairly targeted. It’s vital that a roadmap is developed in collaboration with industry which charts how net-zero for coaches can be delivered. Business owners need clarity, certainty and flexibility so they can confidently invest in the right vehicles, fuel solutions and equipment for the long-term.
As businesses operate in an environment of increased bureaucracy and uncertainty, more changes are coming with the new EU Entry/Exit System roll-out in October. We want government to consider this closely to ensure that international coach travel is not significantly impacted. We’ll be liaising with government to seek assurances on behalf of our members. We’ll continue to urge government and ports to ensure that all infrastructure is ready, updated and secure before going live.
The next government must join forces with RHA to support our industry. To address the challenges we’re facing on several fronts, collaboration remains key.