Respective political approaches to coach and bus from the Conservative and Labour parties were clear at last week’s Confederation of Passenger Transport Conference.
Under-Secretary of State for Transport Guy Opperman made his appearance in a sub-three-minute pre-recorded video. Little of substance was said, although Mr Opperman confirmed that reform of both BSOG and the national concessionary travel scheme in England are progressing.
That continuation of the BSOG overhaul was seen as worthy of mention by Mr Opperman is curious. The process has been in hand for almost three years with no conclusion in sight. One of the other elephants in the room – PSVAR – was not mentioned.
Suggestions from political strategists that the Conservatives may seek to appeal to motorists as the general election approaches will be a worry to bus operators, although it could appeal to those with coaches. Talk in late 2023 of the government’s ‘plan for drivers’, and Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper’s criticism of low traffic neighbourhoods, are in play here.
Nevertheless, lack of an in-person appearance by the minister drew frowns from conference delegates. The Palace of Westminster is within sight of the event venue. The previous post holder, Richard Holden, travelled to Birmingham for 2023’s conference and addressed attendees. In an election year, a furtherance of that engagement is surely imperative.
Meanwhile, Labour shadow local transport minister Simon Lightwood delivered the keynote speech in person. For bus, Labour’s view of franchising as the default is non-negotiable, although Mr Lightwood accepts the idea some local authorities will require assistance to be able to design and deliver such schemes.
Not all the policy behind Mr Lightwood’s address appears to be fully developed. That is something Labour needs to deal with quickly. However, in a rare bout of prominence for coach on the political stage, he referenced the sector on at least six occasions.
One of those related to the shift to zero-emission, something that the coach industry will no doubt want to hear more of rapidly if Labour does indeed form the next government.
However, the bulk of Mr Lightwood’s words about coach centred on his wish to engage more with the industry and its operators. Although the coach segments could have been shoe-horned into his address, there is nonetheless a welcome indication that Labour may be open to working with the sector, and to building coaching’s needs and strengths into future policy. It might just need a little more persuasion to do so.
