Transdev creating post-pandemic roadmap

Transdev is inviting decision makers to join a post-pandemic debate on the north of England’s transport future with its own roadmap for growth.

Transdev is inviting its customers, as well as business and political leaders, to have their say in mapping its journey beyond the pandemic with the launch of its own plan for growth in 2021 and beyond.

The operator has produced “Build Buses Back Better”, a prospectus setting out Transdev’s blueprint to create innovative, integrated bus networks at the heart of a post-pandemic economic and social revival in the north of England’s urban and rural communities. Its brochure is being mailed to over 200 key decision makers and business leaders across the region served by Transdev’s branded bus operations, from central Lancashire to the Yorkshire Coast.

Transdev CEO, Alex Hornby, said: “2020 has of course been the year of Covid-19, which has produced unprecedented challenges for us as a leading bus operator – which I’m proud to say we continue to battle through, thanks to our amazing customers and colleagues. But as we approach 2021 with a real prospect of an end to the current restrictions, it’s time to turn our eyes to the future and the opportunities ahead.

“The Prime Minister’s New Deal sets out to tackle unresolved challenges, and in his own words, to ‘Build Back Better’. We want to build buses back better too, using our track record of success in growing bus networks and Transdev’s worldwide multi-modal expertise – but across Britain there’s an inconsistent picture, with isolated pockets of growth and limited policy support and investment in infrastructure to help buses provide an answer to issues such as pollution and congestion.

“As a pioneer in our industry using new technology to provide low and zero emission buses, we have a positive track record of success in growing bus usage through investment, a high-quality product and marketing. We believe 2021 can be a year of unique opportunities for the bus – and now is the time to start a conversation about this comeback and how we make the most of it.”

The ‘Build Buses Back Better’ brochure suggests:

  • More priority bus measures to make the bus the most reliable option for urban travel
  • Going green – Transdev says more zero and low-emission zones are the way ahead
  • More working together, with Transdev pointing to its expertise gained by delivering fully commercial services. Among these commercial services is its 36 Ripon and Harrogate to Leeds service, hailed as one of the stand-out success stories of the UK’s bus network. It also suggests private and multi-party partnerships, including its VAMOOZ demand-driven services to local schools and large employers; and its three-way partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds Bradford Airport to build and expand its recently-launched Flyer bus network. It says co-operation with key organisations can deliver best value for money, whether in a fully deregulated network or via franchises awarded by local authorities.
  • Introducing a national minimum customer service standard for bus services.

Transdev says if just 1% of car journeys switch to bus travel after the pandemic, bus journeys would rise by 19%.

Its prospectus calls for targeted price reductions, such as for young people moving from education to employment, alongside incentives for employers to support their employees who make sustainable travel choices, including the bus. Transdev also suggests offering incentives when people move home or start in education or a new job could persuade more to choose the bus.

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