In its submission to the government for the upcoming Autumn Budget, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has requested a five-year funding commitment for buses. Among other requests, it has asked the government to provide a clear strategy with key dates and supportive measures that will enable the coach sector to decarbonise.

CPT’s submission emphasises the importance of buses and coaches to local economies, for social inclusion, access to work, education, healthcare and social and leisure opportunities. It also highlights they are the more effective and fairest way of working towards net-zero targets.

CPT requests the government recognises the important role the industry plays by announcing a longer, five-year funding commitment for the sector to provide LTAs and operators with the confidence required to invest in bus networks.

It asks for a commitment to increase the speed of bus services by 10% over the next five years, which would then be reflected in local targets and BSIPs, backed by fair and sufficient funding across the country. The aim is to keep buses out of congestion and ensure passengers have fast and reliable journeys.

CPT has asked for the immediate publishing of the Guidelines on Socially and Economically Necessary Services, with a view to legislating for this in the near future.

The confirmation of future funding for zero-emission buses and infrastructure is requested by CPT, along with a transition away from bidding rounds to give certainty to operators.

For coaches

For coaches, CPT suggests providing a clear strategy with key dates and supportive measures that will enable the coach sector to decarbonise, including investment in developing a robust zero emission infrastructure network to support longer distance services. It also suggests a fuel duty incentive for low-carbon fuels to enable coach operators to reduce their emissions while the sector waits for zero-emission vehicles to become more viable.