Coach services are Britain’s hidden public transport network, conducting more than 450 million passenger journeys annually, the equivalent of 40% of the number of national rail journeys. Coaches offer a potential solution to a large variety of transport challenges.
The coach sector is highly flexible and resilient, as well as offering excellent value for money for passengers and the UK Government, as it receives no government subsidy and requires little infrastructure investment. Moreover, coaches often step in when other parts of the transport network are unable to deliver, especially when rail services are disrupted by improvement works. Coaches are vital facilitators of other transport operations, with scheduled services running between train stations and connecting airports with towns and cities across the UK.
In addition, coaches perform a variety of vital functions that other parts of the transport sector are unable to replace, such as private hire journeys for tourism, including remote destinations, school trips, and corporate events.
Coach UK is the dedicated voice for coach operators within the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
CPT commissioned analysis conducted by KPMG revealed:
Read our full report on the Economic Impact of Coach Services here.
Ensuring coaches are at the heart of local transport planning
For years, coaches have been the quiet workhorse of the network, moving millions of people every year, supporting tourism, connecting communities, and doing so efficiently and sustainably. Yet too often, they have been overlooked in local planning.
The Government’s decision to formally recognise coach travel within its new Better Connected transport strategy is a real turning point, and reflects persistent lobbying by CPT.
From now on, every local authority in England is expected to consider the role of coaches in their transport strategies. That means thinking properly about facilities, access, and future demand. It means planning for appropriate parking, safe pick-up and drop-off points, and ensuring coaches are not treated as an afterthought when road space is allocated. In some cases, it may even mean allowing coaches to use bus lanes where it makes sense to do so.
Guidance on paper is only the beginning. The real test will be in delivery. Local authorities will need to engage with operators, understand local demand, and translate this recognition into tangible improvements on the ground. That includes taking advantage of initiatives like Coach UK’s Coach Friendly scheme, which provides a clear framework for destinations that want to welcome coach visitors and reap the economic benefits.
Coach UK will continue to advocate for the coach industry at local, regional and national level to make sure that the commitments set out in Better Connected are turned into tangible improvements on the ground.
Supporting the transition to zero-emission coaches
One of the key conclusions from the work of CPT's Zero Emission Coach Taskforce (ZECT) was that the transition to zero-emission coaches is stymied by the lack of market signals. Without clear market signals for the end of sale of diesel coaches, manufacturers are unable to produce the right products, and operators are unable to invest in zero-emission solutions.
In addition, the transition to zero-emission coaches will require significant investment in infrastructure across the strategic road network. The government has put in place plans for a Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, which is backed by £200m of Department for Transport funding. This will support the installation of 70 public and depot-based infrastructure installations by 2030.
Clarity on PSVAR and the end of Medium-Term Exemptions (MTEs)
Coach operators need to have clarity over legislation on accessible travel, in order to give disabled passengers a clear and consistent service, and ensure they are aware of what is required from their vehicles in order to be compliant.
CPT provided the Department for Transport with a detailed, evidence-based response to their call for evidence on PSVAR in September 2023. This included a comparison of the default position post-MTEs, and our proposal, demonstrating that there were only positive outcomes for those with disabilities wishing to use coaches.
Building the future workforce of the coach sector
Coach operators have long been dealing with a shortage of trained drivers, as well as the challenges that come with a relatively older workforce. Coach UK is determined to support the future growth of the sector, part of which will include ensuring a sustainable pipeline of talent, and ensuring the creation of a more diverse workforce.
The government should work with the sector to produce a workforce strategy.
This strategy should include:
Action in these areas will make the sector more attractive to prospective applicants, ensuring that more young people will be able to consider a career in the sector, and opening up more opportunities to a diverse pool of talented individuals.
To learn more about our policy priorities and to get involved in our policy work contact:
Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations
Keith McNally, Operations Director