Greener bus travel, new UK jobs and bigger business was on the
agenda as Government ministers met local leaders and industry
bosses at the first UK bus manufacturing panel today (Thursday
13th March).
Local Transport Minister hosted the debut event at
Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield, alongside industry experts from
organisations including Alexander Dennis, the Urban Transport
Group and the Confederation of Passenger Transport.
Discussions explored ways of ensuring that the UK remains a
leader in bus building while helping local authorities to deliver
their transport ambitions.
Metro Mayors (South Yorkshire) and
Tracey Brabin (West Yorkshire) also attended to discuss how they
can work with industry to supercharge zero emission bus
manufacturing and support jobs across the UK.
Local Transport Minister , said:
"It was great to kick off our first bus manufacturing expert
panel today, bringing together leading bus manufacturers, Metro
Mayors, and industry experts to focus on cleaner air and improved
transport across the country.
“By creating a pathway for UK manufacturing growth, we are not
just transforming our fleets – we are prioritising high quality
buses that meet the needs of passengers, boosting regional
economies to drive up living standards, and putting a coalition
of highly skilled manufacturers and passionate local leaders at
the heart of our zero-emission future."
The event featured various panels, with discussions including the
importance of prioritising the manufacture of high quality,
zero-emission buses across the regions. Manufacturers stressed
the economic benefits of the technology felt by the workers
building and using buses, and said it had potential to support
jobs across the country, and help the Government deliver on its
promise of Growth through its Plan for Change.
Other discussions included how agencies can work together to
build a “passenger first” bus network, with enhanced
accessibility and inclusivity.
It comes ahead of the hotly anticipated Bus Services Bill which
will transform the bus industry by giving local leaders greater
control over their services. The Bill will also include a measure
to end the use of new diesel and petrol buses across England from
no earlier than 2030, alongside handing power back for local
authorities to operate their own services.
It is currently progressing through Parliament, and the
Government wants manufacturers to have a seat at the table as
forward-thinking measures on zero emission buses are
considered.
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport
Group, said:
“The UK has a successful history of building buses and has the
potential to be a global leader when it comes to manufacturing
zero emission buses. The Government's new Panel - of which we are
pleased to be a part of – will bring together leaders from across
the sector to help secure the UK's strong bus manufacturing
position and to deliver new jobs, greener buses, cleaner air and
regional economic growth.”
The Bus Services Bill will also boost safety for all, with
mandatory training for staff and drivers to tackle anti-social
behaviour and violence against women and girls.
It comes as the Government invests £1 billion to help end
postcode lottery of buses and improve services nationwide. Local
authorities are currently developing delivery plans for their bus
funding allocations, which could include increasing service
frequency, enhancing bus stop infrastructure, or implementing new
services to reach underserved communities.
ENDS
Contact Information
Tom Wrath
Press Officer
DfT
tom.wrath@dft.gov.uk
Notes to editors
A brief Q&A with the Minister was recorded on-site, and can
be provided as either an audio file or transcript upon request.
The following representatives were in attendance at today's panel
discussion:
- Alex Clarke, Head of Bus Reform - West Yorkshire Combined
Authority
- Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations at
the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT)
- Andy Mee, Deputy Director Commercial (Bus) at Transport for
Greater Manchester
- Ben Werth, Group Sales and Business Development
Director
- David Conway, The Association of Local Bus Managers
(ALBUM)
- David Gould, Senior Advisor to the Mayor of
London
- Debbie McCreath, Group Marketing Director at Alexander Dennis
Ltd
- Jo Bamford, Chair of Wrightbus
- Mike Scott, Interim Head of Transport - York and North
Yorkshire Combined Authority
- Monta Drozdova, Policy and Research Advisor at the Urban
Transport Group (UTG)
-
, Mayor of South
Yorkshire
- Pete Bond, Director of Integrated Transport Services at
Transport for West Midlands
- Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport
- Steve Foulkes, Chair of the LCR Transport Committee -
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Tom Greenshields, Director of Business Development,
Wrightbus
-
, Mayor of West
Yorkshire
- Will Reeves, Commercial Vehicle & Bus and Coach Section
Manager at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd
(SMMT)
