We’ve lost our way with transport maps
Maps are in decline and where they do exist they are hidden or diluted in value, but they are a great way to communicate our offer Maps like this one, created by Best Impressions, open up our eyes to opportunities Try as I might, I struggle to find a sector where companies...
Rethinking mental health support
We need to change our models of mental health support to be more accommodating to the needs of a diverse workforce Delivering a high quality railway service depends on a workforce that feels supported, cared for and appreciated By Nafisa Nathani Mental health is of real concern in the rail industry due to...
Simulations will be a ‘game changer’
The addition of simulations to CitySwift’s Evolve module allows bus operators to analyse the predicted impact of various runtimes Operators can compare the trade-offs for different sets of runtimes in a risk-free, digital environment Imagine being able to find the optimal outcome for your bus network, balancing trade-offs like cost and punctuality, with...
Labour would presume in favour of franchising
Take Back Control Act would streamline path to greater bus powers with a presumption in favour of franchising for all local transport authorities The Labour Party has announced plans to take significant steps to reform bus services in England if it wins the next general election, claiming that “decades of failed deregulation have...
FlixBus launches major network expansion
‘We are here to build the largest intercity coach network’ McGill’s has added 18 high specification Volvo 9700 coaches to its FlixBus services, in addition to the existing seven vehicles FlixBus launched its expanded Scottish network last week with celebrations and free cake at Edinburgh bus station. The move comes not long after...
Buses are in reverse – but who has a plan?
Labour’s recent announcement on buses was about who controls the levers. There was no mention of money or other support Last week’s policy announcement from the Labour party on buses means both main parties are now devoting time and space to this key method of public transport. This is very welcome, not...
Making the most of our open top buses
My rough estimate is that open toppers are worth £30m a year. The bus industry does them well – but what more can be done? East Yorkshire’s open top Beachcomber buses returned on April 1, running up to every 20 minutes between Scarborough’s North and South bays Never mind the weather being...
Read our supplement: The ALBUM Report 2023
Welcome to The ALBUM Report 2023, a publication from Passenger Transport devoted to Britain’s independent and municipal bus companies. Returning for a seventh year, this year’s report also incorporates the Conference Workbook for the 2023 ALBUM Conference, hosted by Lothian Buses in Edinburgh on April 25-26. We hope you find it an interesting read and...
TUC proposes £9.9bn net zero transport plan
New report aims to address ‘gaping hole’ in the government’s recently published net zero strategy – a plan for achieving modal shift away from cars TUC general secretary Paul Nowak: ‘Investing in public transport will help us meet net zero targets’ Photo: ©Jess Hurd A new report released by the Trades Union Congress...
‘Scotland may miss bus infrastructure target’
Transform Scotland warns on flagship Bus Partnership Fund Plans to reallocate road space on parts of the motorway network around Glasgow to high-occupancy vehicles such as buses have made little progress’ The Scottish Government’s commitment to investing over £500m in bus priority infrastructure has yet to be fully realised, according to a report...
Welsh operators hope Bray can be saviour
Former director of the Urban Transport Group will chair panel of experts, and bus operators hope he make case for funding Jonathan Bray will chair an expert panel on Welsh bus policy By Rhodri Clark. Welsh bus operators are pinning their hopes on Jonathan Bray, who will chair an expert panel on Welsh...
Fares are firmly on the political agenda