Thursday 29 January 2026 ~ Park Plaza London Riverbank
10:30-10:50 Networking Breakfast
11.00-11.15 Opening Remarks
- Graham Vidler, CPT
11.15-11.45 Keynote Speaker
- Minister for Roads and Buses, Simon Lightwood
11:45-12:30 Growing Passenger Numbers
This session explores how public transport systems can better understand their existing and potential customer base, along with the broader societal trends shaping travel behaviour. It will present practical strategies aimed at increasing ridership in the bus and coach sectors, grounded in both market research and behavioral science. By delving into what current passengers value and identifying the barriers for non-users, the discussion will offer evidence-based insights to inform more targeted and effective service planning and marketing initiatives.
- Pete Dyson, Transport for Humans
12:30-13:30 LUNCH
13:30-14:15 Narrative on Bus: Do Buses have an image problem?
Despite being one of the most efficient, environmentally friendly, and inclusive forms of urban transport, buses and coaches continue to struggle with public perception. This session investigates whether buses and coaches have an image problem - examining how media, politicians, and the public influence that narrative. It will explore ways to improve the media and public perception of buses and coaches and how we can promote their relevance to modern users, shaping a more positive, people-centered narrative for bus travel.
- Chair: Andrew Clark, Rud Pedersen
- Ross Lydall, The Standard
- Lydia Horbury, Bus Users UK
- Claire Scicluna, The Go-Ahead Group
14:15-15:00 Women's Safety on Buses - VAWG
Violence Against Women and Girls is sadly one of the biggest issues facing society. There are 3,000 incidents of VAWG incidents reported per day and 1 in 12 women will be a victim of VAWG each year.
Evidence shows that sexual harassment is particularly prominent in public spaces, which unfortunately includes public transport. So, although this is clearly a societal issue, it is one that by default is an important issue for our passengers.
- 72% of women are concerned about sexual harassment on public transport
• Over half (56%) of girls and young women aged 11-21 say they don’t feel safe on public transport on their own
• 150+ media stories highlighting VAWG incidents on and around bus in 2025 to date
People feeling safe on their journey is paramount to maintaining passenger numbers and attracting new bus users. The bus sector has long taken the issue of passenger safety seriously, and has ramped this up to focus on women’s safety over the past two years, with initiatives such as Ask for Angel Street, safety apps being launched and TSOs being employed.
But what more can we do? What works best? What are women and girls themselves calling for?
We are looking forward to exploring the above and considering what more we can all do to make women (and therefore all of us) feel safer on buses.
- Chair: Kayleigh Ingham, First Bus
- Dr Lucy Baker, Aberystwyth University
- Carolyn Quainton, Understood
- Lyndsey Dearlove, No More
15:00-15:30 Afternoon Break – Networking
15:30-16:15 The Political and Policy Landscape
As we enter 2026, this session explores the evolving political landscape and considers what this means when it comes to engaging with, and influencing, politicians and decision-makers. Attendees will gain insights into how to effectively lobby on the issues that matter to the bus and coach sector and, importantly, passengers, through a combination of expert political insight and practical advice.
- Chair: Martin Dean, Go Ahead
- Jo Tanner, Rud Pedersen
- Matthew Faulding, Anacta
16.15-16:30 Closing Remarks
16:30 Conference Ends
*Please note - sessions and timings are subject to change - please check back regularly or look out for CPT communications for updates*
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