UK Coach Operators Association conference addresses key industry issues
The annual conference of the UK Coach Operators Association (UKCOA) took place on 10 March at the Volvo Group in Warwick, focusing on critical issues such as recruitment, net-zero initiatives, advocacy, and diversity within the coach sector. This gathering continued to underline these topics as both local and national priorities, drawing speakers from the industry as well as governmental representatives, and fostering high engagement among attendees.
One of the key highlights of the conference was the update on UKCOA's driver academy scheme, presented by Mark Anderson of Anderson Travel alongside UKCOA Director of Operations Stephen Spendley. The scheme, which is in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, has successfully recruited and trained over 30 coach drivers to date, establishing a structured pathway for UKCOA members to connect with local job centers for driver recruitment.
The funding process for this training scheme is nearing completion, enabling all UKCOA members to access financial resources to cover essential training costs, including the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), medical assessments, and both practical and theoretical training. The training supports efforts to reintegrate long-term unemployed individuals into the workforce, with members reportedly saving approximately £2,500 per recruited driver.
James Backhouse of Backhouse Jones provided a regulatory update addressing several key trends impacting the sector, particularly in relation to Public Inquiries and preliminary hearings. He noted a rising trend in the use of conjoined hearings with drivers, alongside single-issue hearings focused on issues such as bridge strikes and maintenance. Backhouse also highlighted revisions to the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, modifications to financial standing requirements, and PSV record-keeping regulations. He emphasised the importance of early identification of compliance issues and the necessity for rigorous auditing processes to help mitigate potential risks. In his presentation, he also referenced possible legislative changes pending the appointment of a new Senior Traffic Commissioner in 2025.
Candice Mason, Director of Masons Minibus and Coach Hire and a founding member of Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC), discussed the need for enhanced diversity in the coach sector to mirror the communities it serves. She underscored challenges that include shifts and rotas as significant barriers to recruiting women into the industry. Mason provided updates on initiatives from WiBC to assess industry needs more effectively, including the launch of an online community for discussions surrounding practical solutions and support for women.
Alex Mayer, Labour MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard and a member of the Transport Select Committee, delivered a keynote focused on the role of the coach sector in bolstering economic support and achieving net-zero targets. Mayer cautioned against the tendency to lump coach and bus services together, arguing that this diminishes the industry's visibility in political discussions. She urged the coach transport sector to enhance its engagement with policymakers, highlighting the need for robust industry data to further advocacy efforts.
Claire Haigh, Managing Director of Zemo Partnership, addressed the challenges related to the transition towards net-zero emissions in the coaching industry, specifically pointing out substantial costs associated with battery-electric coaches and necessary infrastructure. She advocated for an urgent strategy that fairly addresses these transitions, suggesting that the government should outline a definitive plan for the electrification of coaches, including an end date for the sale of new internal combustion engine buses.
The conference also covered updates regarding the UKCOA's coach holiday bonding scheme, now operational in partnership with the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust, which offers preferential application fees to members. Ongoing concerns highlighted during the event included the PSVAR exemption deadline, the Bus Open Data Service implications on home-to-school services, and persistent parking issues faced by coach operators, particularly in London. Participants were encouraged to provide feedback to assist in upcoming consultations as part of UKCOA's ongoing efforts to address these challenges.