The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) has announced that it welcomes the UK government’s recent consultation on two key proposals that seek to make training as a bus and coach driver more attractive to younger drivers.
The UK government hope that the proposed changes will help the sector to get more bus and coach drivers safely trained and open up the transport sector to younger people.
Increasing the pool of available drivers will improve grow the economy while tackling driver shortages that can undermine the provision of services, reports CPT.
CPT has also said that it considers these changes a welcome step forward because it believes well-trained drivers in this age group can safely drive a wider range of passenger carrying services and longer services.
READ MORE: Bus operators provided with £4.65m fund to help disabled passengers
CPT chief executive Graham Vidler said: “We warmly welcome this consultation on two key proposals championed by CPT to help address the challenge of driver shortages faced by the coach and bus sector.
“Allowing new recruits to get on with off-road training while awaiting their provisional licence will ensure more trainees stay the course and become safe, qualified bus or coach drivers.
“ As 18 year-olds are allowed to drive an articulated lorry already, there is a clear case for allowing them also to drive all types of coach and bus services.”
“This consultation is a great example of industry and government working together effectively.”
Achievements and innovations in road safety and traffic management will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
