For the first time since the pandemic, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has held its Bus & Coach Conference, alongside its annual dinner. JAMES DAY provides the highlights from the Birmingham event.
Usually choosing the centre of London for its annual event, the CPY this year decided on The Eastside Room conference centre in Birmingham for its UK Bus and Coach conference and annual dinner. Last held in 2019, it was clear that many attendees had been looking forward to the event’s return and the opportunity to catch up with colleagues.
A flurry of industry activity coincided with the conference, with several speakers touching on the breaking news.
It was announced that the £2 single fare scheme is to be extended until the end of June, with the government committing £75m to facilitate this. This is greater than the £60m made available for the initial three months of the scheme, partially attributed to more days in April, May and June, but also to increasing interest from bus operators.
The offer now applies to more than 5,000 routes from over 140 operators in England.
Announced on the first day of the conference was news that onboard announcements are to be made mandatory on most lo…
