The UK government has launched an initiative to recruit a new generation of bus professionals, which is backed by £815,000 in government funding.
The new Bus Centre of Excellence is hoped to combine knowledge from local government, bus operators and industry to boost skills and diversity in the bus sector.
The hub was pledged within the government’s National Bus Strategy as a means of improving the sustainability and reliability of the nation’s bus services.
What’s more, the centre will be hosted by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and provide training, resources and access to experts in the field.
The announcement of the new centre was complemented by the government’s commitment of £3m for 18 brand new zero emission buses in Leicester and the opening of a fully-electrified ‘depot of the future’ in the city.
Richard Holden, roads minister, said: “Buses are the backbone of our transport network, providing affordable travel for commuters, families, and pensioners, and providing an economic lifeline for towns and cities around the country…the new Bus Centre of Excellence will help drive the country’s bus sector recovery and provide passengers with cleaner, more affordable buses that run on time.”
This initiative also follows the £155m announced in February as part of the government’s extension of the £2 bus fare cap scheme.
