April 15 2026
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have marked the successful conclusion of a joint senior “Experience Exchange” programme, designed to strengthen collaboration between industry and regulator.
The initiative saw six senior leaders from across the bus and coach sector and DVSA spend time shadowing one another’s roles, sharing insight into operational realities, regulatory responsibilities and opportunities to work more closely together.
Participants included the DVSA’s former Chief Executive Loveday Ryder, Director of Enforcement Services Marian Kitson and Director of Vehicle Services Richard Hennessy, alongside CPT Operations Director Keith McNally, Neal Hall (Managing Director, Lakeside Coaches) and Martin Dean (Managing Director, Go-Ahead).
The exchanges took place across a range of locations, including London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Avonmouth and Shropshire, offering a hands-on view of both frontline enforcement activity and day-to-day bus and coach operations.
Through the programme, DVSA leaders joined operators and CPT representatives to see how services are delivered on the ground, including depot operations, driver training and investment in zero-emission fleets. In turn, industry leaders observed DVSA enforcement activity, including roadside inspections, test centre operations and the use of new technologies to support road safety.
The exchanges also created space for detailed discussions on shared priorities, including driver training, recruitment and retention, safety standards, and the role of innovation in improving services.
Keith McNally, Operations Director at CPT, said: “Strong, constructive relationships with DVSA are absolutely essential for our members and the passengers they serve. This programme has been a simple idea, but an incredibly powerful one, giving both sides the chance to step into each other’s world and properly understand the challenges and opportunities we each face.
“Spending time with DVSA colleagues at enforcement sites and test centres gave me a real appreciation for the professionalism, expertise and care that underpins their work. Equally, it has been fantastic to showcase the complexity and ambition of modern bus and coach operations, from safety initiatives to investment in cleaner vehicles.
“Most importantly, the exchanges have helped build trust, strengthen relationships and identify practical ways we can work together to support a safe, efficient and growing industry. That is something we are keen to build on.”
Enforcement Services Director Marian Kitson said:
“Developing great links with the transport industry is one of DVSA’s key goals.
“Taking part in the information exchange with industry leaders in the bus and coach industry has enabled me to understand more clearly the challenges and opportunities we are all are facing.
It’s been really valuable engagement on both sides contributing to a shared commitment making bus and coach travel safer for everyone.
“We can do this if we all work together and share best practice and knowledge.”
The Experience Exchange programme forms part of a broader commitment by both CPT and DVSA to strengthen partnership working and support a safe, reliable and sustainable bus and coach network across Great Britain.