CPT President Ralph Roberts contemplates rates, funding, and ways to make a career in bus driving a more attractive proposition
Whether it is coach or bus operation, we all know how critical the driver is in the equation to deliver a good experience that people will be happy to repeat and recommend.
This is why the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) is happy to be launching a campaign this month called ‘Thank you, driver’.
The shortage of bus drivers has many strands at its roots, and one of these is making bus driving a more attractive proposition. As an industry, we are in control of a large part of what our drivers do, but there are many external factors too.
In my many discussions with drivers, the gripe list generally falls 50/50 between internal and external pain points. I would urge everyone to understand the local external factors that cause these and engage with stakeholders to raise awareness. This activity alone is generally well received in drivers’ ranks – it is always nice to know someone has your back.
In the last month, we witnessed the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. While there were many well-rehearsed and successful logistical duties conducted, I was delighted to see that it was our coach industry that was called in when large numbers of dignitaries needed to be moved between locations. A good example to point to, surely, when we are having local discussions about access to town and city centres and key facilities.
As we are now into October, many operators will be relieved that the government has agreed to underwrite a six-month cap on non-domestic electricity prices. Those of us operating significant numbers of electric vehicles have been nervously watching as a minimum of 400% increase on rates has unfolded. As an industry, we are used to some volatility in our fuel prices, but this is unprecedented. Additionally, I have heard a number of stories about suppliers being unwilling to fix, unless upfront security is provided.
Clearly, this is something that needs to be ironed out if the industry is to decarbonise at pace.
With the predictability of funding in England and Wales now in place for the remainder of this financial year, I am looking forward to meeting with the Department for Transport in the coming days to discuss how we approach the period beyond.
We all have our opinions on how the bus industry should be funded, or not, but that involves dialogue and planning and now is the time for that.
CPT will always seek to be at the forefront of that engagement, to help build the secure and predictable future that our customers and industry needs.
