Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) President Ian Luckett looks at the advice the body offers to its members
I know I am stating the obvious, but running a coach or bus company is a complex issue with many challenges. It can often be lonely, but the burden of many of the issues we face can be lifted through membership of CPT. The support available to members is quite simply invaluable.
An example is the very successful regional events with the Traffic Commissioners. They offer an excellent opportunity to hear first-hand their advice on how we can stay compliant. Some of the things they tell us may sound obvious, but it is easy to overlook the obvious in the hurly-burly of running a busy operation.
Packed November
I have a packed calendar of events in November with the CPT Conference in Scotland, CPT Wales Coach Commission, and a panel discussion at the Highways’ UK event. The panel, led by Transport Focus’s Anthony Smith, will highlight how we view and value the UK’s road network.
I shall also be making the keynote address at the CPT Coaching Conference in Warwick. The theme is ‘Embracing the Digital World: Maximising Online Opportunities’. We have very knowledgeable speakers for a thought-provoking day.
Gross weights
Since my last column we have had an announcement from DfT about the increase in gross vehicle weights. There is a sting: While we are able to have a heavier overall vehicle on two axles, the axle weights have not changed.
Therefore, if the vehicles were critical on weight on either axle already (normally the rear) then we will not be able to benefit from this change.
This will now be something for vehicle designers to look at to see if they can move weight around the vehicle to make the best use of the new ruling.
You never know, we may get some startling changes in vehicle design as a result.
Show success
And, I must mention last month’s Coach & Bus UK. This was a first class show and congratulations must go to Diversified Communications for putting on yet another great industry event.
As well as the large stands with glittering new vehicles, and innovative technological advances, it is always worth visiting the smaller stands. Here you will come across some gems of ideas.
I spent much of the two days with the CPT team on the stand, right in front of the main entrance.
The stand was busy on both days with operator and supplier members alike calling in for advice, or simply to sit and chat and put the world to rights.
Trade shows are an important showcase for CPT and a number of new members have been welcomed into the CPT fold, which brings me back neatly to where I began.
CPT membership is simply a must-have for anyone serious about running a successful bus or coach business.
