Congestion is slowing Scotland’s buses - but the public backs solutions.
@cptscotland.bsky.social's latest polling shows clear support for bus priority measures that can improve journey times, reliability and connectivity.
CPT Scotland Director Paul White explains what needs to happen next 👇
However, as coaches are still not included in the renewed Zero Emission Truck and Van Grants, CPT will continue pressing government to address the high upfront cost of zero-emission coaches and ensure the sector gets the support it needs.
We welcome the Govt's announcement of £1bn funding to support the transition to zero-emission vans, HGVs and coaches, including a new Depot Charging Scheme.
CPT had strongly advocated for coaches to be included.
Applications open until 30 June find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/depot...
With just six weeks to go until the Senedd elections, CPT Cymru is calling for long-term investment in Wales’ bus network.
Buses carry 3/4 of public transport passengers in Wales. The case is clear: £1 invested can deliver £4.55 in economic benefits.
"If fuel becomes scarce, buses and coaches must take priority" - that's the view of CPT's Alison Edwards in a new blog about the impact of potential fuel shortages on the industry. Read the blog in full here 👇
www.cpt-uk.org/blogs/if-fue...
Bus passengers’ satisfaction with their journeys has risen across Britain, with higher ratings for punctuality, journey times and the role of bus drivers, according to the annual ‘Your Bus Journey’ survey from Transport Focus.
We also marked the launch of Midlands Women in Bus and Coach. It was brilliant to see so many supporting the growth of the network and sharing their experiences. The Midlands region will be led by our own Karen Tiley whose passion for the industry continues to shine through.
We were also delighted to raise £1,000 for Crisis and Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre - thank you to everyone for your generosity.
Thank you to all who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at the next event.
Last Friday, we had a fantastic day in glorious sunshine at our Golf Tournament and Midlands Annual Dinner.
A huge thank you to our sponsors C9 Recruitment, Manley Summers, VEV, Backhouse Jones, Total Compliance and PSV Glass and Glazing.
We had a great time at the @tourismshow.bsky.social last week and thoroughly enjoyed the event - it was so busy and full of valuable conversations with members, peers, and stakeholders across the sector.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s event!
Faster buses = stronger economies.
Average Scottish bus speeds are just 11.3mph and improving them by 8% could boost Scotland’s economy by £565m a year. It’s time for national + local action on congestion and bus priority. #SpeedUpTheBus
Developed in partnership with Understood and informed by industry expertise and lived experience, the training reflects real operating environments and real-life scenarios.
Thank you to Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for Local Transport, for joining us at the launch.
We are proud to have hosted the UK bus and coach industry at First Bus in Basildon today to launch a new national driver training programme to help tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) and strengthen passenger confidence on public transport.
www.cpt-uk.org/news/bus-and...
Last night the Scottish Parliament approved new Government powers to remove concessionary travel in the event of anti-social or criminal behaviour.
Read Paul White's reaction on behalf of CPT Scotland below 👇
Fuel price volatility continues to put pressure on bus and coach operators.
Tomorrow, 12:00, we're hosting a webinar on what’s happening with prices and supply, with CPT Operations Director Keith McNally and Steve Irwin, Portland Fuel.
Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ca395b...
Opportunity should move as freely as the buses that keep Britain moving. For #InternationalWomensDay, Kathryn Pulham reflects on what “Give to Gain” means for the bus & coach sector — and the practical steps needed to support women across our industry. www.cpt-uk.org/blogs/intern...
Last night at the Trade Association Forum Awards, we were proud to see our colleague Nicholas Jessup shortlisted in the Rising Star category for his work on CPT’s Bus Regulation Toolkit and Handbook.
This recognition is richly deserved 👏
CPT has been campaigning for greater flexibility for 18 & 19-yr-old drivers - crucially, to remove the current limit of 50km for younger drivers.
Help DfT assess the case for change by completing their survey below - closes 2 March.
www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/operatorev...
Save the date - CPT Midlands Dinner 2026
📆 Friday 20 March
📍 Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club
NEW: The CPT Midlands Golf Competition, supported by Manley Summers ⛳️
This year’s charity raffle will be split between Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre and Crisis.
www.cpt-uk.org/events/cpt-m...
A huge welcome to our newest member of CPT Vaculug Ltd 🛞
Founded in 1950, Vaculug is a long-established commercial tyre retreading specialist based in Grantham.
www.vaculug.com
Overnight visitor levies must build the visitor economy, not damage it. Coaches generate £1.5bn in overnight spending each year. Passengers are price-sensitive. Every penny raised should go back into tourism infrastructure and Coach Friendly facilities.
lnkd.in/e9rszqZJ
Planning your 2026 coach tour programmes?
In just over a month the British Tourism & Travel Show returns to Birmingham - bringing together 200+ coach-friendly destinations, attractions and hotels from across the British Isles and beyond.
Register now www.tourismshow.co.uk
As part of our ongoing commitment to make buses and coaches accessible for everyone, we're proud to be working with @guidedogsuk.bsky.social and @pocklington.bsky.social to roll out vision impairment awareness training for drivers.
www.guidedogs.org.uk/blog/guide-d...
As #NationalApprenticeshipWeek comes to an end, a huge thank you to all apprentices across the bus & coach industry
Govt. support for apprenticeships is vital to creating opportunities to combine on-the-job experience with recognised qualifications and clear progression.
This #NationalApprenticeshipWeek we’re celebrating operators building the workforce of tomorrow
In Wales, Edwards Coaches are championing apprenticeships - earn while you learn, gain qualifications & skills.
We need a clear strategy for apprenticeships to keep Wales moving.
We welcome moves to enable younger people to take on driving roles in the transport sector and hope that Govt will heed calls for greater flexibility for 18 & 19-yr-old coach drivers. We encourage members to respond to the DfT survey to support our call.
www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/operatorev...
It’s #NationalApprenticeshipWeek and we’re proud to celebrate the apprentices who help keep Britain moving every day.
Apprenticeships offer a vital route into work, allowing people to earn while they learn and build long-term careers in transport.
www.cpt-uk.org/news/bus-and...
Our new Coach Manager Andy Shaw has been in post for a month, so we caught up with him to see how he's settling in and what his plans are for the upcoming year.
If you need any support with coach operations or regulation, please get in touch with Andy.
The Bus Services (Wales) Bill has received Royal Assent. Read our reaction here 👇
