The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement on the roadmap out of lockdown restrictions.

On the topic of bus, Chief Executive of the CPT, Graham Vidler, said: “Bus services will be vital in helping people get back to school, work and in time to meet family and friends.

“Throughout the pandemic operators have responded rapidly to changing passenger demand, including when schools returned in September, ensuring that people can continue to travel safely. The industry will be working with local authorities to increase service levels over the coming weeks as passengers return meaning people can continue to have the confidence to travel by bus.”

“Given the crucial role buses will play in getting local economies moving again it is vital that the industry continues to be supported while social distancing remains in place.”

Some certainty for coach

Moving onto coach, Graham Vidler commented: “The timetable the Prime Minister has set out will provide the industry with some certainty about when businesses can reopen their doors.

“We should not forget though that operators are facing another year with significantly reduced demand” – CPT Chief Executive, Graham Vidler

“We should not forget though that operators are facing another year with significantly reduced demand. Those trips that do run face a challenge to break even because of the need for social distancing until at least the completion of the Prime Minister’s review into the issue.

“The Chancellor must use next month’s Budget to announce support for the coach industry to ensure we do not lose 100s of family run businesses in the months ahead.”