It has struck me over the past few months how important it is to ensure that the coach industry promotes what it does to the world at large. Not only to central and local government, but to the British Chambers of Commerce, residentsâ associations and other grassroots organisations that might carry some influence, either because they are widely recognised, or because of those who are members.
Many local bus companies have built up good relationships/partnerships at a local level. Roger French, former Managing Director of Brighton and Hove Buses, was chair of the Brighton Business Forum and the Brighton and Hove Local Strategic Partnership for many years, as well as being on the committee of the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce and the Hove Business Association, among others. It ensured that coaches and buses were on the agendas of those meetings and much got achieved, including bus priority and preferential stopping arrangements, all with the customer/passenger in mind.
The âwantsâ for the coach industry might differ, but here are a few ideas for you to consider:
A dedicated coach bay outside or close to the school that you serve, either for home-to-school transport or school trips. How many times has your driver found it difficult, if not impossible, to find somewhere to park safely?
The easing of a tight corner close to your depot, to assist coaches turning without blocking the flow of traffic in the opposite direction
Allowing coaches to use a particular bus lane which would improve the regularity of a private contract you provide.
What is your local issue?
More importantly, this engagement would give you the opportunity to have discussions with others about the industry you are part of; the work that you do, and how the people that you carry take up so much less road space than if they were all in their individual cars!
I am a great believer that the way to get the coach industry noticed is more of a bottom-up approach than a top-down one. By that I mean that the conversations you have with local councillors, local businessmen and local influencers, are more likely to be remembered than something glossy at a national level (such as a promotional advert on TV). The national efforts have their place, but it is with those local conversations that your own business will get noticed.
Talk about how many people you carry, your concerns about moving to zero-emission vehicles, your frustration that you cannot deploy your passenger lift outside the local tourist attraction, which advertises that it is accessible or wheelchair friendly. And if that really isnât your thing, is there someone trusted within your company who could do that on your behalf?
Alternatively, speak to your trade body. I am always happy to come out to speak to local authorities or anyone else in your neighbourhood that you would like to influence, daytime or evening!
Come on â I believe that the coach industry is on the rise. There is more that we can do and provide, given the right tools. Letâs start at a local level, and see what we can achieve, just as Roger French (and others) have done in Brighton.
