UK Bus Summit Review 2018 by Passenger Transport Publishing Ltd

brought to you by

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in association with

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8TH FEBRUARY 2018 QEII CENTRE, BROAD SANCTUARY, WESTMINSTER, LONDON SW1P 3EE

Media partners transporttimes

Confirmed Speakers Jesse Norman MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport

Humza Yousaf MSP, Scottish Transport Minister

The fourth annual UK Bus Summit will be held in London at the QEII Conference Centre, Westminster on 8th February 2018 and once again is supported by Department for Transport and Transport for London. This year the focus will be on why buses are an integral part of the solution to Clean Air Zones rather than the problem. Local authorities will need to set out their initial plans CAZs by the end of March 2018. The UK Bus Summit is perfectly timed to disseminate best practice and give all stakeholders the opportunity to exchange views as part of the consultation. Additional confirmed speakers include:

Valerie Shawcross CBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport

David Brown, Chief Executive, Go-Ahead

Sponsored by

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• Cllr Susan Aitken, Leader, Glasgow City Council • Giles Fearnley, Managing Director UK Bus, First Group • Kevin O’Connor, Managing Director, UK Bus, Arriva • Lilli Matson, Director of Transport Strategy, Transport for London • Dr Jillian Anable, Professor of Transport Energy, University of Leeds • Claire Haigh, Chief Executive, Greener Journeys • Andy Eastlake, Managing Director, LowCVP • Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, Optare • Paul Buchanan, Parnter, Volterra

For more information please visit www.transporttimes.co.uk or call 0207 828 3804 Supported by

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UK BUS SUMMIT REVIEW 2018

WELCOME Welcome to the UK Bus Summit Review 2018, a publication devoted to the UK’s main mode of public transport. This publication has been produced by Passenger Transport, in association with Transport Times Events, to co-incide with the fourth annual UK Bus Summit. This event will be held in London at the QEII Conference Centre, Westminster, on February 8 and is once again supported by the Department for Transport and Transport for London. The UK Bus Summit Review 2018 puts the spotlight on local bus services in the UK, and the operators, authorities, suppliers and other stakeholders involved in planning and providing them. It celebrates the sector’s achievements and considers the challenges that it faces now and in the years ahead. The focus of this year’s UK Bus Summit will be why buses are an integral part of the solution to Clean Air Zones rather than the problem, and this is also a common theme in this publication. We hope you find it an interesting read and we welcome all feedback.

FO R EWO R D

REV IEW OF 20 17

GREENER JO URNEYS

JOHN D OW I E

Buses Minister Jesse Norman hails new powers and new opportunties

Looking back at a challenging 12 months for buses

Claire Haigh considers how buses can contribute to a cleaner future

Outsider turned insider offers some home truths for a positive future

A R R I VAC LI C K

F IRST BUS

GO -A HEA D G ROUP

Arriva’s response to the changing world of passenger transport

First Bus explains its commitment to advancing partnerships

We speak to Katy Taylor about attracting more people to use buses

WEST M I D L A N DS

STAGECOACH

TRANSPO RT FO CUS

UK BUS SUM M I T

Bus Alliance has united city region behind a common vision

Mark Threapleton explains how buses can improve air quality

How evidence-based research can help deliver improved bus services

Details of the programme for the fourth annual UK Bus Summit

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FO R EWO R D

NEW POWERS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES t is an honour to be asked to contribute a foreword to the 2018 UK Bus Summit Review. As you Summiteers will know, buses are one of the great cogs of our transport system. In 2016-17, an astonishing 4.4 billion journeys were made by bus in England, making buses the preferred mode for over 60% of all trips on public transport. Whether it’s the commute to work, a visit to the high street or the daily trip to school, if you use public transport then the chances are you’ll go by bus. When I talk to local authorities and bus operators, they are united in emphasising the importance

of increasing bus patronage and improving services; and our job in Government is to serve the public good by helping them to do those things. But the public also want other things, like greener buses, less congestion, proper accessibility for all users and smarter ticketing - all of which will serve those two primary goals of increasing bus patronage and improving services. The Bus Services Act passed last year is designed to give local authorities and bus operators new opportunities to make change and achieve more for passengers. Last November, the Government published regulations and guidance on implementing the Bus Services Act. We will publish further regulations and guidance

this year, so that local authorities can make use of the new powers as quickly as possible. Through schemes such as the Green Bus Fund and Low Emission Bus scheme, successive Governments have also provided £120m since 2009 to put low emission buses on our roads, both new and retrofitted to the latest standards. And regulations made under the new open data provisions and ticketing powers should also make it easier for bus companies to help passengers move between different modes of transport, and understand timetables, fares and routes. With a suite of new powers available to local authorities, 2018 could be an exciting year for the industry. There is huge potential

for greater collaboration and the use of innovative new technologies. The world of transport is changing faster than ever, but the opportunity is there for bus services not just to keep pace with that change, but to move ahead of it.

JESSE NORMAN MP

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Roads, Local Transport and Devolution

Through schemes such as the Green Bus Fund and Low Emission Bus scheme, successive Governments have provided £120m since 2009 to put low emission buses on our roads

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ANNIVERSARY CYCLE CHALLENGE

L AND’S END TO JOHN O’ GROATS

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REVIEW O F 2017

Transport minister Andrew Jones delivered a tough message about the future of public funding for buses at the UK Bus Summit in London in February

2017: A CHALLENGING YEAR FOR BUSES FE B RUA RY FUNDING

TOUGH MESSAGE FROM MINISTER ON FUNDING Transport minister Andrew Jones delivered a tough message about the future of public funding for buses at the UK Bus Summit in London in February. In response to a question about funding for rural bus services, Jones said: “We shouldn’t be having an industry which relies endlessly upon public subsidy. We’re always going to see huge demand for public spending, you only have to look at how some of our public services are under intense pressure, such as the health service.”

“So an industry which requires public subsidy is not an industry which has a healthy, robust, sustainable future.” Jones said that “more bums on seats” must enable bus services to support themselves financially but a survey of the audience found that less than one third agreed that UK bus patronage would increase over the next decade.

the country. The group launched a new app-based shared ride service, ArrivaClick, linking Sittingbourne with Kent Science Park. Users select their preferred pick-up and drop-off points and the app does the rest, with trips on its fleet of five executive-style 12-seat minibuses costing around £3.50. Arriva’s intention is for ArrivaClick to appeal to people who would not normally consider travelling by bus by offering them a new service that is frequent, reliable and personalised, with the feel of an executive shuttle. Explaining the logic behind the experimental service, Alastair Hands, commercial director UK bus for Arriva Group, said that demand is shifting and that bus

M A RCH TECHNOLOGY

ARRIVA JOINS RACE TO REINVENT THE BUS Arriva began a trial of a new kind of bus service in Kent in March, with a view to rolling it out across

operators need to respond to that. “We need to find better ways to match supply with demand,” he commented. He added: “We want to shape the market, not just respond to it.” PASSENGERS

TRAFFIC IMPACTS ON BUS USER SATISFACTION Published in March, the latest edition of the Bus Passenger Survey revealed how congestion and traffic jams were beginning to impact on the overall satisfaction of passengers with their bus journey. The survey, undertaken in 2016, saw nearly 47,000 passengers in England and Scotland probed ➢ by watchdog Transport

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Focus. While overall 87% of all passengers in England were satisfied with their local bus service - up from 86% in 2015 - congestion was shown to be impacting on passenger ratings for punctuality and waiting times. Satisfaction with punctuality ranged from 65% to 84%, averaging 73%, which was down from an average of 75% in 2015. “Passengers tell us they want a frequent, punctual and reliable service which offers value for money: the ‘core product’,” explained David Sidebottom, the watchdog’s director. “The results show that despite satisfaction levels remaining high, increasing road congestion and the impact of roadworks is hitting the ability to deliver these basics in some of our towns and major cities.”

ArrivaClick, a new app-based shared ride service, launched in Sittingbourne in March

A PRIL LEGISLATION

BUS SERVICES BILL PASSES THE FINAL HURDLE The Bus Services Bill received Royal Assent in April, ending fears that its progresses could be stalled by prime minister Theresa May’s decision to hold a snap general election on June 8. In the event the Bill was one of the final actions by parliament before it was dissolved on May 2. The new Bus Services Act includes powers for two new forms of partnership working - advanced and enhanced - and gives mayoral combined authorities the power to implement bus franchising without needing consent from the secretary of state. There are also important requirements relating to the provision of open data. MAY POLITICS

SIX NEW ‘METRO MAYORS’ ELECTED IN ENGLAND England elected its first six ‘metro mayors’ on May 5, with all

Andy Burnham (centre) was one of six new ‘metro mayors’ to be elected in May

punctual and less crowded”. The other four new metro mayors were: James Palmer (Conservative, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough), Steve Rotheram (Labour, Liverpool City Region), Ben Houchen (Conservative, Tees Valley) and Tim Bowles (Conservative, West of England).

promising far-reaching change to local transport. West Midlands mayor Andy Street (Conservative), previously MD of John Lewis, and Greater Manchester’s metro mayor, Andy Burnham (Labour), who stood down as MP in order to run, quickly showed the potential powers and influence of the mayors. Street said his first act would be to meet the prime minister to discuss the case for new government investment in his region. Burnham rejected his combined authority’s draft spatial framework, partly because it did not give enough weight to joining up public transport and new development. Their early priorities for quick transport wins included reducing road congestion. Street said that by the end of his term in 2020 he would have made public transport in the West Midlands “more

JULY CAMPAIGNS

NEW MINISTER BACKS ‘CATCH THE BUS WEEK’ Incoming transport minister Jesse Norman lent his support to the fifth annual ‘Catch the Bus Week’, which took place in early July. The event saw Britons encouraged to leave their cars at home and choose to use the bus, with hundreds of operators

and organisations coming together across the country to highlight the economic, social and environmental benefits of taking the bus. The event saw Greener Journeys, the cross-industry lobby group that organises the campaign, press the case for the bus. The group revealed that research it had commissioned from consultancy KPMG found that every pound spent on local bus infrastructure can generate more than £8 of benefits for local businesses, communities and the environment. Greener Journeys said that the research demonstrates that although buses are Britain’s most widely used form of public transport, and despite being vital for society and the economy, they rarely get the recognition they deserve. “Catch the Bus Week is an important initiative and I’m pleased to be launching it,” said Norman at a special launch event at Brixton bus garage in south London. “Buses are vital for connecting people, communities, homes and businesses.” “I warmly encourage commuters to try the bus this week.” AIR QUALITY

AIR QUALITY PLAN AVOIDS THE MAIN ISSUE - CONGESTION The government published its final revised UK Air Quality Plan in July, but Greener Journeys was not impressed. The pro-public transport lobby group said it would fail to address public health concerns because it fails to address the biggest cause of roadside air pollution - traffic congestion. The air quality plan announced that sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be banned by 2040. It also announced a £255m fund to help tackle emissions from diesel vehicles, but failed to advocate charges for polluting vehicles in Clean Air Zones. “This plan stops short of

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meaningful action that will immediately address this public health crisis,” commented Greener Journeys chief executive Claire Haigh. “We can’t afford to kick the can down the road to 2040 - there are already 38 local authorities where people are breathing air which exceeds legal NOx limits.” While welcoming the plan’s commitment to retrofitting buses with equipment that reduces emissions, Haigh said that penalty charges are the only effective way of keeping drivers away from city centres and encouraging them to switch to more sustainable modes, such as bus, bike or train. “Unless we tackle congestion, this won’t solve the air pollution crisis,” she said. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport said the plan was “weak and timid”.

continue to build on this success, looking at what support we could offer to apprentices in their late teens and early twenties.” LEGISLATION

PARTNERSHIP AND FRANCHISING POWERS ON TABLE IN SCOTLAND

AU GUST MANUFACTURING

PM VISITS ADL TO SEE EXPORT ORDER PROGRESS Prime minister Theresa May visited Alexander Dennis’s Guildford facility in late August to view progress with the manufacturer’s order to supply 90 double deck vehicles to an operator in Mexico. The contract, which was first announced in October 2015, is being supported by the Department for International Trade, whose UK Export Finance agency made a £44m finance deal available to ADL. The order from Mexico City operator Metrobús has been ADL’s biggest single deal from a customer in a brand new market. The first six vehicles arrived in Mexico in July and the introduction of the vehicles aims to ease road congestion. They will also help improve air quality as a result of the low emission engines used in the vehicles. “We are privileged to have the prime minister here to announce government support for exporting

Newly-appointed transport minister Jesse Norman backed ‘Catch the Bus Week’ in July

businesses like ADL,” said Colin Robertson, the company’s chief executive. “Our ability to offer finance from UK Export Finance in Mexican pesos was a significant benefit to our buyer, helping us win this major contract.”

and its two biggest operators, Arriva and Stagecoach. The huge growth in bus use has been the result of ‘MyTicket’, a value day ticket offering unlimited bus travel, a 50% discount on adult fares and age eligibility for special tickets and discounted fares raised to include 18-year-olds. This enormous increase means journeys by all paying passengers have gone up by 16.2% overall since 2014, ahead of the 10% target set for the end of 2017/18. While operating on an informal basis since 2014, a formal partnership agreement was signed between Merseytravel, Arriva and Stagecoach in September 2016 committing to more than £52m of investment in the first year of a joint annual business and investment plan. Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, commented: “I want us to

S EPTEMBER PARTNERSHIP

MERSEYSIDE PARTNERS CELEBRATE BUS ALLIANCE The number of bus journeys young people are making in the Liverpool City Region has risen by 142% in the last three years. This figure was revealed on September 22 at an event to mark 12 months of the Liverpool City Region Bus Alliance - a formal partnership between the region’s transport authority, Merseytravel,

The Scottish Government called for a new form of partnership working in the bus industry as part of a consultation exercise that aims to shape a new Scottish Transport Bill. Launching the consultation in September, Scottish transport minister Humza Yousaf said buses provide a lifeline for many, but declining passenger numbers pose a serious challenge for the industry as a whole. “The proposals in this consultation set out a viable and flexible range of options to help local authorities improve bus services, working in partnership with bus operators,” Yousaf added. The partnership proposals would see Statutory Quality Partnership powers in Scotland replaced by a new Service Improvement Partnership model. Franchising was also proposed. Transport Scotland suggests that current Quality Contract legislation could form the basis for “a more flexible, simpler and more customised approach to franchising”. AIR QUALITY

CONCERNS EXPRESSED OVER GLASGOW LOW EMISSION ZONE Bus operators expressed disappointment at the decision by Glasgow City Council to focus its forthcoming Low Emission Zone exclusively on buses. The Scottish Government announced in September that Scotland’s four biggest cities would implement LEZs over a two-year period to 2020. The SNP pledged to establish Scotland’s first LEZ ➢

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in Glasgow before the council elections in May, which resulted in the SNP forming a minority administration in the city for the first time. At the end of September, Glasgow City Council approved in principle a blueprint for establishing Scotland’s first LEZ, based on a minimum of Euro 6 emissions, in the city by the end of 2018. The council adds that not all buses will expected to be Euro 6 at the start of the LEZ and that it would be introduced progressively. The council believes that bus-only measures can be introduced quicker than restricted access for other vehicles. Andrew Jarvis, managing director of First Glasgow, said that while he was supportive of the Scottish Government’s plans to introduce LEZs, he was disappointed at the decision by Glasgow to focus solely on buses. “LEZs have the ability to really do something about the air quality issue, so it’s a shame that Glasgow seem to be taking the approach that they are,” he said. Ralph Roberts, managing director of McGill’s added: “This maverick approach... will simply make buses even more scarce and expensive and have little effect on air quality.”

all about growth. The company continued to buck the national trend, achieving a healthy 2% passenger growth year-on-year with consistently strong customer satisfaction levels. It has also seen its digital m-ticket sales rocket to possibly the highest levels in the country. Other winners from the bus sector included: Improvements to Bus Services Winner: Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester’s Bus Priority Package. Excellence in Technology Winner: Transport for London, Differential Bus Priority. Excellence in Travel Information & Marketing Winner: Lothian Buses, East Coast Buses. Transport Team/Partnership of the Year Winner: Merseytravel - The Liverpool City Region Bus Alliance. Outstanding Contribution to

Transport Winner: Giles Fearnley, Managing Director - UK Bus, FirstGroup. TECHNOLOGY

‘MOBILITY AS A SERVICE’ TRIAL IN WEST MIDLANDS A new integrated transport app that allows people to combine all their travel needs via their smartphone began a UK trial in the West Midlands in October. The ‘Mobility as a Service’ trial is a collaboration between Transport for West Midlands, MaaS Global of Finland and transport providers, including bus operator National Express West Midlands. MaaS Global’s mobile app, Whim, made its debut in Helsinki in Autumn 2016 and the West Midlands is the first area outside Finland to trial the system. Whim encourages people to use

O CTO B E R AWARDS

BRIGHTON & HOVE BUSES NAMED ‘BUS OPERATOR OF THE YEAR’ Go-Ahead Group’s Brighton & Hove Buses subsidiary was named ‘Bus Operator of the Year’ at the 17th annual National Transport Awards. The presentation ceremony at the Westminster Park Plaza in London in October was attended by more than 600 people. The company was judged to have improved in several areas including ticketing, greener fleet and quality bus partnerships. Throughout 2017, Brighton & Hove’s story was said to have been

Prime minister Theresa May visited bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis in August

A trial of ‘Mobility as a Service’ commenced in the West Midlands in October

transport other than their private car by enabling them to pay for their transport over the course of a month as they need it. The concept has been described as “like a phone contract for your travel”. As with phone contracts, users might begin with a pay-asyou-go package to test the water before migrating to a package that offers a fixed number of ‘points’ and ways of travelling. In the West Midlands, users were initially able to travel on NXWM buses, Midland Metro tram and Gett taxis on a pay-as-

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Go-Ahead Group’s Brighton & Hove Buses subsidiary was named ‘Bus Operator of the Year’ at the 17th annual National Transport Awards in October

you-go basis. The app establishes the best journey routes and deals with tickets and payments. “Our vision is to make transportation smarter to offer seamless mobility for all people with one service and a single monthly fee - and this way we can offer people a genuine and easy alternative to owning a car,” said Sampo Hietanen, chief executive officer and co-founder of MaaS Global. “Public transportation is the backbone in realising this vision, and the extensive and

and Titanic Quarter via the city centre. Built by Van Hool in Belgium, the 18-metre articulated vehicles will use diesel-electric hybrid engine technology delivering a smoother take off from halts, lower noise, reduced vibrations and lower emissions. Each vehicle will carry up to 105 passengers and will feature real time passenger information, audio next stop and destination announcements, CCTV, free WiFi, USB charging facilities and air conditioning.

comprehensive National Express bus network is a perfect fit.” BUS RAPID TRANSIT

BELFAST BRT UNVEILED IN BELGIUM The new Belfast Rapid Transit ‘Glider’ vehicle was unveiled at the Busworld Europe exhibition in Kortrijk, Belgium, in October. The new £90m Glider service will begin in September 2018, operating every 7-8 minutes between East Belfast, West Belfast

NOVEMBE R AIR QUALITY

BLANKET BAN ON ‘DIRTY DIESEL’ VEHICLES NOT THE ANSWER A blanket ban on all diesel vehicles in the UK’s new Clean Air Zones would have a devastating impact on local communities, leading to a rise in unemployment and social deprivation, Professor David Begg warned in November. ➢ While Clean Air Zones

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of funding to work on schemes that will alleviate congestion at 28 bus congestion hotspots. New Daysaver and m-ticketing options have also been introduced and ‘Ecostar’ ratings are being displayed on buses to show their environmental performance. The operators have also introduced a “no quibble” refund guarantee. DECE MBER PATRONAGE

BUS USE DROPS ACROSS GREAT BRITAIN

ABOVE: The Bus18 partners revealed progress in West Yorkshire. BELOW: The new Belfast Rapid Transit ‘Glider’ vehicle was unveiled

are vital to addressing this public health emergency, implementing a blanket ban on all diesel vehicles would have disastrous consequences for the environment, economy and society, according to Begg, visiting professor at Plymouth University and former chairman of the Government’s Commission for Integrated Transport. Begg called on local authorities to halt blanket bans and instead target older diesel cars, which are the biggest contributors to air pollution, making up 41% of nitrogen dioxide emissions from road transport, compared with 30% for diesel vans and 6% for buses and coaches He warned that banning all diesel vehicles from city centres would “demonise and penalise” the latest generation of clean British diesel buses, which bring huge environmental and economic benefits. Such a ban, he warns, could prompt an 80% cut in bus services, leading to a 22% cut in employment; an 11% reduction in adult skills; and a 29% increase in social deprivation. Begg’s warning came as an unprecedented bus sector coalition led by Greener Journeys, the sustainable transport campaign, urged local decision-

largest bus operators, Arriva Yorkshire, First West Yorkshire and Transdev Blazefield launch a range of initiatives in partnership with the Association of Bus Operators in West Yorkshire and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The combined authority said that the partnership is already delivering tangible benefits. These include new information displays that are being introduced at 14,000 bus shelters across West Yorkshire. The new design includes a clearer presentation of bus times, a map showing stops along the route and journey times, as well as operator branding. Meanwhile, in July, the combined authority approved £1m

makers to recognise the economic, environmental and social benefits of the new generation of clean Euro 6 diesel buses and put them at the heart of their plans to improve local air quality. PARTNERSHIP

PARTNERS HIGHLIGHT WEST YORKSHIRE BUS PROGRESS Bus operators in West Yorkshire revealed in November that they had invested a total of £23.5m in new vehicles for the region over 2017 as part of the Bus18 partnership initiative launched earlier in the year. It has seen the region’s three

The number of people travelling by bus continued to decline across Great Britain, according to statistics by the Department for Transport. Figures for JulySeptember 2017 showed yearon-year decreases in England (-1.5%), Scotland (-3.4%) and Wales (-2.4%). Within England, the decline in London was much slower. The year-on-year reduction was -1.0% compared to -2.0% elsewhere. For the year ending September 2017, the number of local bus passenger journeys in England was 4.40 billion, a 1.5% decrease. Bus use in England outside London declined by 2.0% over the same period, continuing the decline since 2009, and is now 2.6% lower than in the year ending March 2005. In London, bus use decreased by 1% in the latest year but remains 12.2% higher than in the year ending March 2007. The DfT statistics showed that the local bus fares index increased by 3.3% in England between September 2016 and September 2017. Local bus fares increased by 2.2% in Scotland and 1.8% in Wales. Within England there was a 1.0% increase in London, likely as a result of the introduction of the Hopper Fare in September 2016. Outside of London, there was a 4.1% increase in metropolitan areas and a 5.3% increase in non-metropolitan areas. The retail prices index rose by 3.9% over the same period. n

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Media partners

UK Transport Infrastructure Summit

transporttimes

23rd May 2018 London

Keynote Speaker: Sir John Armitt, Deputy Chair, National Infrastructure Commission The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) are in consultation mode in the first half of 2018. They want to gauge opinion on their plans to tackle congestion on our transport networks, increase capacity and reduce carbon.

While energy and better broadband connections feature strongly in the NIC’s recommendations it is transport which takes most of their attention. The UK Transport Infrastructure Summit will be held alongside the NIC and will be attended by a number of their commissioners. They will set out their thinking and seek feedback from stakeholders and attendees. There will also be the opportunity for key delivery organisations to communicate what they see as their priorities and to enter into an open and transparent dialogue with the NIC. Key themes will be: — How much should we rely on more Infrastructure capacity compared with squeezing more out of existing capacity through smart pricing? — How will the digital revolution change travel patterns and deliver more capacity? — How can transport investment help the UK to tackle the shortage of housing? The Summit will cover rail, road and aviation connectivity.

For more information please visit www.transporttimes.co.uk or call 0207 828 3804.

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UK BUS SUMMIT REVIEW 2018

A report by London Mayor Sadiq Khan found that tens of thousands of children in the capital are constantly exposed to illegal levels of air pollution

A ROAD MAP TO A CLEANER FUTURE Should cars get special treatment when buses are driving a cleaner future? - asks Claire Haigh, chief executive, Greener Journeys

ollution is a greater global threat than Ebola and HIV, according to warnings by the World Health Organisation. Its report published last year revealed that people in the UK are 64 times as likely to die of air pollution as those in Sweden. Poor air quality is responsible for up to 50,000 early deaths every year in the UK,

costing the NHS £20bn a year. Yet despite this public health emergency, 38 of England’s 43 air quality zones still breach EU legal limits for nitrogen dioxide - and London is the worst European capital for this harmful pollutant. If we aren’t careful, London will once again become the “big smoke”, if it hasn’t already. A separate report by London Mayor Sadiq Khan found that tens of thousands of children in the capital are constantly exposed to illegal levels of air pollution. In response, Mr Khan has announced a series of new

anti-pollution policies - for which he must be applauded - including the £10 T-Charge aimed at older, more polluting vehicles. But is this enough? As users of London’s congested streets will be aware, road transport is a huge contributor to the city’s air pollution problem. In London, 68% of NOx emissions come from road transport. THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION

The Government is under increasing pressure to tackle the UK’s air pollution crisis. It has already lost two court battles, and it is being taken to the High Court

by ClientEarth for a third time because of “major flaws” in its Air Quality Plan published last year. The plan recognises that without further action, 31 of 43 UK zones will fail to meet air quality targets in 2020. However, it misses the point by identifying buses as the priority diesel vehicles for local authorities to target within Clean Air Zones, followed by HGVs and vans, with cars only considered a drastic final option. This is in completely the reverse order to the total NOx emissions contributed by each road transport mode.

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on urban travel choice, and to encourage personal cars to be left at the city perimeter (or even at home), is substantially undermining the ability of local authorities to deliver a clean mass transit solution to help radically clean up urban air. CONGESTION IS PART OF THE PROBLEM

Diesel cars are the single biggest contributor to NOx emissions on the road, accounting for 41% of all emissions from road transport. A journey by a modern Euro 6 diesel car emits 10 times more NOx per passenger than a comparable journey by a Euro 6 bus even at current average passenger load. Handing responsibility to local authorities is one thing, but the Government must provide more direction on the hierarchy of vehicle targeting in Clean Air Zones, and ensure that the implementation of this hierarchy more accurately reflects actual NOx contributions. Quite simply, we cannot solve our pollution problem while bypassing the biggest polluters. The reluctance of central Government to give clear leadership

The sheer number of vehicles on our roads is inextricably linked to poor air quality. A report by Greener Journeys last year revealed that a halving of average city traffic speeds leads to a 50% increase in emissions from larger vehicles as they crawl along busy urban roads. In nose-to-tail traffic, NOx emissions are four times greater than they are in free flow traffic. Clearly, tougher action is needed. If the Government is serious about addressing the growing public health emergency caused by air pollution, it must take meaningful steps to tackle growing urban congestion. The impact of congestion has meant that in our most congested urban areas bus journey times have risen - on average - by 10% per decade. Traffic congestion in the UK’s largest cities is 14% worse than it was five years ago, and in the last year, this has increased by 4%. Currently, the Government plan focuses on removing speed humps and traffic light sequencing rather than reducing the number of vehicles on the road, which causes 75% of all delays. The only way to truly resolve the air quality crisis is to reduce vehicle numbers and free up alternative efficient forms of transport such as buses. This includes extending the enforced scope of Clean Air Zones to include diesel cars and encouraging more people to use public transport such as buses instead of driving directly to urban centres.

Claire Haigh: ‘Tougher action is needed’

“If the government is serious about addressing the growing public health emergency caused by air pollution, it must take meaningful steps to tackle growing urban congestion”

BUSES MUST BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

Local authorities with roads breaching legal pollution levels have until March to publish their draft plans to tackle air pollution in their areas, and it is vital that

the latest generation of clean British buses be embraced as part of the solution, complementing the path towards zero emissions. Real world testing of new Euro 6 buses - and those retrofitted to this standard - demonstrate that they are 95% cleaner than previous models and emit fewer emissions overall than the average diesel Euro 6 car despite having 15 to 20 times the capacity. A fully loaded bus can take 75 cars off the road. Moreover, putting buses at the centre of air quality strategy would support UK manufacturing. At least 80% of urban buses sold in the UK are built in the UK. And Government financial support for bus retrofitting provides 15 times as much value for money as scrappage allowances for diesel cars. Leeds City Council was one of the first local authorities to publish its draft air quality plans last year, and it must be applauded for announcing a Clean Air Zone that proactively encourages modern diesel buses and buses that are retrofitted to Euro 6 levels. The plans, however, stop short of charging cars and vans, the biggest contributors to air pollution. Faced with the twin perils afflicting our towns and cities congestion and pollution - the Government must show leadership and not shy away from making politically difficult decisions such as increasing fuel duty, which it has steadfastly refused to do for seven consecutive years. Instead of passing the buck to local authorities, it must recognise the public health emergency we are facing and introduce measures that address head on the issue of diesel cars and encourage the switch to more sustainable modes of transport and efficient use of precious urban road space. Now is the time to begin the transition towards the future of city mobility, which must be ultra low emission and high efficiency shared solutions. The buses of today can immediately provide the solution for tomorrow if we can begin to change public preconceptions. n

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UK BUS SUMMIT REVIEW 2018

SOME HOME TRUTHS FOR A POSITIVE VISION From Yes Minister to On the Buses, John Dowie offers perspectives from an outsider turned insider. John spent 27 years in the Civil Service, including several roles dealing with bus policy in England and in Scotland. More recently, he has spent the past 17 months at First Bus. Here he offers some reflections on the state of the bus industry

hilst the bus sector has rarely been quiet, the past year or so has been especially feverish. New legislation is on the statute books which has the potential to significantly change the sector, and the issue of air quality rockets up the political agenda - with bus both the villain and perhaps the hero of the piece. As we meet for the third UK Bus Summit, it is time for the sector to have an honest appraisal of where it stands - and how it can do better.

local transport future? On top of this, the sector compounds its inward focus by being seriously bad at communicating. The private sector label does get in the way; there is little appreciation of the need for profits to fund investment but this should not be an excuse for poor communications. The sector acts like the 1970s Millwall supporter: “no one likes us, we don’t care”. But we do care, we care a lot. Bus managers don’t get out of bed to cut services or deliver poor service; they want to serve their communities. The sector does too little to communicate its passion, its role in the community, its contribution to place-making. Enough tinkering and talking, serious action is required. Pictured: Buses in Leeds

stretching partnerships, and they both need to act like they do. Partnership isn’t an optional extra for operators, it should be central to what we do. GOVERNMENT MUST GET ITS PRIORITIES RIGHT…

TIME TO STOP LOOKING INWARDS AND EMBRACE PARTNERSHIP

John Dowie: ‘We do care. We care a lot’

It is hard in the bus sector ensuring buses are fit to run and clean, drivers motivated, all the while running on someone else’s road network. Bus services face all the daily challenges of congestion, roadworks, road accidents, vandalism and weather. Given this, Transport Focus’s report that 87% of passengers were satisfied with their service in 2016 was little short of a triumph. But whilst there are good operations, there are still too many that are mediocre. If the sector cannot deliver efficiently and consistently day after day, how can it expect to be taken seriously as the backbone of our collective

Operators have still to get their heads around partnership (so have many local partners for that matter). A real partnership involves mutual, specific, timebound obligations, harnessing the expertise and resources of both parties to achieve a better outcome. It is a project to be delivered with energy and passion, it is an integral part of running a successful bus business. It does not mean more of the same, minimal commitment and maximum vagueness, all dressed up in bureaucracy. Bus operators and local authorities both have much to gain from action-orientated,

It came to me suddenly: “the sector thinks anything government does can only make things worse”. This is a sad reflection on the defensiveness and lack of ambition of the sector, but it also reflects the hard knocks of experience. Central government has all too often tended to generate wasteful activity and uncertainty, distracting from the day job. Legislation is only part, and a small part, of a positive vision for the sector. I was responsible for four separate Bills in my time at the Department for Transport; sad to say, all too much of my legislation proved nugatory in its impact. It is an uncomfortable reality that

legislating on governance achieves little when collaboration, ambition and vision are all lacking. We need to target the fundamentals that will make a difference, i.e. action on investment, congestion and air quality. The Government’s tendency to tinker is in part because it has largely devolved away its positive role on bus priority. Local government responds to the signals it receives from central Government. Unfortunately, there is little recognition across Whitehall of the economic, social and place role of the bus. The recently announced Transforming Cities programme therefore has the potential to be a real catalyst for change in England. There is an opportunity to challenge places to look at packages of small-scale, but cumulatively significant investments, across whole networks, delivered at pace and through collaboration with partners.

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JO H N DOWIE

…AND COUNCILS SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT BUS CAN DELIVER

The existential challenge of congestion has been described compellingly by Professor David Begg in his report, The Impact of Congestion on Bus Passengers. But virtually nowhere is there a strategic, forward-looking action plan for really tackling congestion. Austerity has visibly sapped local government’s capacity and capability over the last seven years; too much of existing bus priority is several years old now, seldom is it refreshed. Where there is capacity in local government, it is off chasing “les grand projets”. A notable current exception is Leeds; but sadly this is quite exceptional in terms of scale and commitment from the council. Matters are not helped by recurrent myth-making on London, franchising and control. There is a serious debate to be had about the best form of delivery and governance, drawing on domestic

and international experience. New forms of governance are required that give both operators and public authorities skin in the game. But let us not have these debates based on illusions - illusions drawn from atypical London circumstances; illusions drawn from wishful thinking on funding and risk. There is no escaping the fundamental economics of running buses: someone must pay, risks must be borne. And this can only be by the taxpayer or the farepayer. Smart ticketing outside London illustrates the best and worst of both operators and local government. Some years ago, key players in the sector decided smart offered negligible benefits, so heels were dragged. The consequence was that the public sector stepped into the breach to mixed effect. Much money was spent, some of it wasted, with kit installed only to become obsolete as user take-up lagged well behind infrastructure. But then the operators saw the commercial need and started pushing ahead with energy. By the end of 2018, English bus services run by the major operators will all be fully smart enabled, with mTicket/contactless use heading towards 50% of users in many markets. The lesson for councils? The private sector can deliver at pace when engaged.

“Challenges may abound, but there are the building blocks for a positive future... It just requires a bit more mutual appreciation of our complementary skills and experience”

DISTINGUISH FALSE FRIENDS FROM GENUINE OPPORTUNITIES

Why do operators keep banging on about road pricing? If it makes us feel virtuous, it certainly does not result in practical action. The theoretical case for road pricing may be compelling, but the practical politics - post Edinburgh and Manchester is altogether different. Whatever might be possible long term, near term it detracts from the practical and deliverable - squeezing parking overprovision, traffic management, bus priority, pro-bus actions to improve air quality things that are challenging, but deliverable. Let us focus on them. As a nation, we are playing at

A revolution is underway in the customer ticketing experience

alternative fuels and the bus. There is a broad consensus that the future in urban Britain is zero-emissions, yet action is piecemeal, token and intermittent. We are failing to face up to the scale of the challenge: whether mobilising manufacturing capacity; financing electric vehicle costs; converting depots; or the big unknown, strengthening local power distribution networks. We need a “national project”, a public/private partnership to convert Britain’s urban bus fleets, harnessing the expertise of manufacturers, supply chains, operators, electricity supply and public sectors. A post-Brexit opportunity to create a pipeline of skills and manufacturing to deliver green buses sounds like a plan. Air quality has the potential to be a game-changer for the better. We can undoubtedly do this badly - skimping on public support for retrofit, regulating too fast, ignoring the challenges faced by small and medium operators. Perhaps inevitably, the bus sector is fearing the worst. But it does not have to be like this, and if we get it right the potential is enormous. Retrofitting buses is proven technology - but it requires public funding as retrofit is 100% cost to operators. However, the sector is up for the delivery challenge of installing across several thousands of buses in the 28 national priority areas and beyond over the next three or so years. If we can achieve this, we can move forward with local partners to advance the positive role of bus, as the transport mode that offers the best and only chance of modal shift and improved air quality in many places. Challenges may abound, but there are the building blocks for a positive future. There is plenty of evidence that operators and local authorities can get it right and grow the market to mutual benefit. It just requires a bit more mutual appreciation of our complementary skills and experience - then harnessing both to deliver action on the ground. n

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11/01/2018 18:16

UK BUS SUMMIT REVIEW 2018

The flexible ArrivaClick service in Sittingbourne is operated by a fleet of brand new Mercedes minibuses

THE WORLD OF PASSENGER TRANSPORT IS CHANGING Arriva explains how it is responding to the changing needs of transport users

here are more cars on the road than ever before, and customers’ busy lives mean their expectations are higher. The traditional bus market continues to evolve in response to these changes and also due to increasing congestion. Change remains a constant feature for both the industry and transport policy-makers, and with further technological developments and evolving consumer behaviour inevitable, public transport still plays an essential role in assisting people with their daily lives. People need to be able to get around, and they want to do it conveniently and comfortably, using a service that is good value for money.

Bus travel remains the most used form of public transport with Department for Transport figures showing that it still makes up around six in ten of all public transport journeys. There are also around 9.9 million elderly and disabled concessionary bus passes in England, with an average of 98 bus journeys per pass, per year. Such concessionary travel reflects that bus travel has a crucial role, not just in terms of connecting workers with jobs, but as the lifeblood of our communities, providing a service to enable people to meet their friends and family, and access the High Street and shops, as well as essential services such as GP surgeries. However, buses’ crucial role is under pressure. According to a Freedom of Information request made by the Campaign for Better Transport, funding for buses across England and Wales has been cut by 33% since 2010, and

by nearly £30m in the last year. Over 500 routes were reduced or completely withdrawn in 2016/17. Despite these challenges, we can be optimistic if we embrace change and work together to navigate and manage these pressures. Even with autonomous vehicles on the horizon, there is a crucial and ongoing role for mass transit; it’s the most efficient, sustainable and convenient way to move people around and between busy towns and cities. Technology can help to provide the conditions to improve services to rural and semi-rural areas and help to service the needs of all individuals. As transport trends are changing, we need to work together to evolve the tried and tested approaches of the past, with new approaches and models to complement existing offers to meet the needs of modern passengers and under-pressure funding bodies.

At Arriva we’re embracing change and in March 2017 we launched a new on-demand transport service, ArrivaClick, as a trial in Sittingbourne, Kent. It’s a flexible minibus service that transports multiple passengers travelling in the same or a similar direction. Using the ArrivaClick smartphone app for iPhone or Android, customers are asked to register their details along with their debit or credit card information. Once registered, customers select their pick-up and drop-off locations, and ArrivaClick’s clever technology finds them a ride nearby. Whilst some aspects of ArrivaClick are similar to Uber in that it is a cashless service using technology to provide a tailored service for passengers to travel to their chosen destinations, ArrivaClick has been designed to promote the use of public transport and encourage people who might not normally use shared public transport out of single-use vehicles. Passengers share rides with up to 10 other people, meaning there are less vehicles on the road than if they all travelled in single-use vehicles. This can help to improve air quality and tackle urban congestion. With ArrivaClick, customers are guaranteed a comfortable seat in a brand new, luxurious Mercedes minibus with leather seats. Customers are also able to access free Wi-Fi and charging points in the vehicles. For an optimum customer experience, great importance is placed on communication. ArrivaClick customers always receive a text message with their driver’s name and registration number before the vehicle arrives, and all journeys are tracked and recorded on the mobile phone app. This makes the service accessible for everyone, even those who are less familiar with using public transport. The service also allows passengers to get to know their ArrivaClick drivers on a more personal level, and drivers

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ARRIVACL ICK

are able to assist customers with luggage and access to the vehicles. ArrivaClick differs to traditional bus routes in that passengers request the service to their desired location at any given time within service hours, and the vehicle picks them up at a virtual bus stop which is a maximum of a two minute walk from their location. There are no routes and no timetables - this is an on-demand service controlled via the customer’s smartphone app that is tailored to a passenger’s requirements. Costs are determined by the distance travelled and time of travel. Customers are given a guaranteed fare at the time of booking and there are no extra charges if there is heavy traffic. The backend technology uses algorithms to work out the shortest and fastest routes available for all passengers on-board and those who are due to be picked up. Since the service was introduced in March this year, 12% of Sittingbourne residents have downloaded the ArrivaClick app and 5% of the 16-64 year old population is actively using the service. When ArrivaClick first launched the service, vehicles were available until 7:30pm, however local demand for the scheme has led to the hours being extended, and the service is now available until 10pm. After a successful pilot in Sittingbourne, Arriva is now looking at potential areas for a similar service, with a view to launching in new locations this year. We believe ArrivaClick is an important part of the future of bus travel. The modern traveller demands a service that is flexible, convenient and tailored to their requirements; we have recognised this and responded to the changing market using innovation and technology to develop an on-demand transport product designed around passengers’ lifestyles. We see ArrivaClick as an

alternative to car travel as well as a new form of public transport. In a bid to support the government’s clean air agenda, we want to make public transport so efficient it encourages people to leave their cars at home and opt for shared rides instead. Our customers consistently tell us they value reliable, punctual and frequent public transport services. Whereas traditional bus services call for passengers to wait at a bus stop or station for their bus to arrive, ArrivaClick allows them to wait for their ride in the comfort of their own home, and they do not have to stick to a rigid timetable when it comes to planning their journeys. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us, and we take the comfort and safety of our passengers very seriously, therefore customers are invited to

“We believe ArrivaClick is an important part of the future of bus travel. The modern traveller demands a service that is flexible, convenient and tailored to their requirements” leave feedback about their overall experience after every ArrivaClick ride. This means we can take feedback on board and ensure every journey is up to the standard our customers expect. In the midst of the digital age there is an increasing demand for customers to use technology to make payment and access journey information. At Arriva we are keen to harness new technologies to bring innovative solutions to meet these demands and expectations, and ArrivaClick is a great example of this. Starting with just five minibuses in Kent, we have demonstrated what is possible when customer needs and expectations are placed at the forefront of decision-making. This year, we are seeking out stakeholders to help develop the ArrivaClick service to meet their needs. ArrivaClick has demonstrated how to deliver modal shift in Sittingbourne. We want to see this modal shift take hold across the country, and there’s huge potential to do more if we work together. We aim to form

ABOVE: Customers use the ArrivaClick smartphone app to book their journeys. BELOW: The luxurious vehicle interior

close working relationships with local authorities and passenger transport authorities, so we can continue to adapt to serve every community in the country. ArrivaClick is an evolving commercial service and one that can help provide costeffective answers for stakeholders managing challenging pressures - this includes through local authority tendering for flexible bus services complementing existing approaches, as well as joining up funding streams across publicly commissioned services. Public transport provides a lifeline for millions of people across the country who rely on an efficient service to take them to work, school, medical appointments, shopping and social events. Without good public transport, people are at risk of becoming isolated from their local communities. Arriva is committed to adapting to suit modern customers, and we are dedicated to providing a service that works for all. Local authorities and commissioning bodies should consider how their community transport needs could be blended with the evolving commercial offering using an ArrivaClick model. Cost efficiencies and better transport services tailored around the needs of individuals can be achieved through the management of demand and supply on one platform and partnership working. We are confident that in a world of change, there’s a crucial role for affordable and flexible customer-focused public transport services delivered through our ability to develop and deploy innovative approaches. Thanks to modern technology, we see a bright future ahead for public transport, and we are committed to embracing it. We are in discussions with many stakeholders regarding the scale-up of ArrivaClick. If you would like to discuss how ArrivaClick could work in your area, please contact arrivaclick@arriva.co.uk. n

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11/01/2018 18:22

Congratulations to all our 2017 winners

topositive all our 2017 winners We are Congratulations confident that investment in and proactive partnerships will help to improve bus services for our customers throughout the country.

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11/01/2018 11:28

F IRST BUS

PROGRESS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS not comply with the Leeds Low Emissions Zone proposal. The results will see the customer experience hugely transformed, as well as the city’s environment.

First Bus explains its commitment to advancing partnerships everywhere the group operates

eeds is one of the flagships of our new approach with partners sharing a common objective to invest in the bus network and to double passenger numbers in the city over the next decade. By working together, local authorities and bus operators can make a real impact on congestion and air quality, provide better services for our customers, deliver patronage growth and support local economies more effectively. These are all parts of a virtuous circle; more passengers means fewer cars on the road, less congestion and, in turn, improved air quality. At First Bus, we are committed to continuing to provide reliable bus services and supporting local economies, and we believe the air quality agenda allows buses to demonstrate their full potential. In Leeds, we have agreed a partnership with Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority with the aim of doubling patronage by 2025, which will be delivered through investing in bus infrastructure. We match this with our own fleet investment in the newest, greenest buses for the city. This not only supports the city’s aspirations on growing bus patronage, but it also meets the needs of its Low Emission Zone proposal. We are committed to investing in new technology and payment options. The introduction of contactless payments alongside our success with mobile ticketing is pivotal as we continue to make bus travel a convenient, simple and attractive experience for our customers. Use of mTickets is exceeding our expectations and

BUS18

In Leeds, First is aiming to help double bus patronage by 2025. This includes improved park and ride services (below right) and builds on the Bus18 initiative (below left)

continues to grow daily, so we fully expect customers to welcome and grasp contactless bus travel with the same enthusiasm. The same is true elsewhere. Our Aberdeen operation has seen a significant rise in “smart” payments in recent months, with almost 50% of customers now using a “cashless” payment method. With contactless now available in Leeds, we are working hard to encourage more customers to convert to using mTickets or contactless, as this will have a huge impact on boarding times and will help us in the battle to speed up the bus.

funding package was confirmed in April 2017. The multi-million pound investment includes new segregated bus corridors, with real time information for passengers to include journeys in and around the city centre. Commuters will see more reliable journeys and better travel information, with a focus on improving the daily experience of bus users. For our part, we will deliver a fleet investment of £71m in 284 new vehicles by the end of 2020 that meet the Low Emission Zone requirements, with Leeds City Council investing in the highway network to deliver a reduction in bus journey times and improved reliability. We are working alongside the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and other operators to bid for government funding for retro-fitting of the remaining vehicles that will

INVESTMENT IN LEEDS’ BUS NETWORK

Leeds will benefit from high frequency bus corridors, improved park and ride facilities and better stops and signs after a £174m

The Leeds partnership builds on the pre-existing West Yorkshire Bus18. This partnership, brought together by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, has involved the city-region’s major bus operators working together to improve West Yorkshire bus services and encouraging more people to use them. Recent successes include: n Making buses easy to use by reducing the number of service changes, addressing the issues affecting punctuality on five key routes and improving passenger information. n Reducing emissions by signing up to the ECO Stars scheme, which provides recognition, guidance and advice on operational best practice to help reduce fuel consumption and harmful emissions on local roads. n Improving passenger experience and satisfaction by launching a money back guarantee and focussing on young person initiatives – including a recent announcement to allow children in uniform to travel without a half fare bus pass. The mutual trust and commitment gained through working together on Bus18 gave partners the confidence to embark on the even more ambitious agenda for the development of services across Leeds. The First Bus partnership with Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is at the heart of our future strategy for improving the reliability of services and encouraging even more residents and visitors to travel by bus, whether for work, education, retail or leisure. n

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11/01/2018 11:23

GO -AH E AD

Go-Ahead is aiming to make the bus journey itself pleasant and efficient with free Wi-Fi, USB charging and a variety of payment options

SWITCHING MORE PEOPLE ONTO THE BENEFITS OF BUS Why are fewer people choosing to travel by bus and what can the industry do to attract more people to choose bus travel? We spoke to Katy Taylor, Customer and Commercial Director with leading transport group Go-Ahead

aty Taylor is well placed to give some insights into this issue. Over 800 million passenger journeys are made each year with Go-Ahead. Here she reveals some of the proactive measures to boost bus travel she and her colleagues are working on.

What do you think is the biggest challenge faced by the bus industry? People are increasingly A choosing a range of transport methods, even though city centres are congested and suffer air pollution problems – things that bus travel is proven to alleviate. The biggest challenge we face as an industry is being attractive to a modern customer base that expects end-to-end, intermodal solutions at the touch of a button. We need

to do this at the same time as working in partnership with local authorities, central government and other stakeholders to support other aims and aspirations, like empowering those at the margins of communities and helping to improve air quality. But at the same time we also need to ensure our business continues to be sustainable.

one mode. In Plymouth and Newcastle, we have had great success with a £1 child fare that is encouraging children and parents to travel more often. Meanwhile, multi-operator tickets, like the schemes already in place in Newcastle and Oxford, are making it simpler to catch the next bus. Offering tickets that can be purchased in the same way as a coffee also reduces barriers to travel. Mobile ticketing, contactless payments and smartcards are on offer across GoAhead’s services – make worrying about cash a thing of the past. We also need to make sure customers are confident that they will get where they want, when they want and if not, that they have easy access to information about disruptions and how to complete onward journeys. Next stop audio and driver announcements keep customers informed and empower them to make decisions about their journey. Finally, we can make the journey itself pleasant and efficient - we have free Wi-Fi, USB charging sockets, tables, and even games on our vehicles.

So how do you get people, especially non bus users, to use the bus more often? We need to make bus an A attractive option of choice. We need to make it easier for customers to plan journeys that include bus but that also connect with any other forms of transport that make up the end-to-end journey. We need to make owning a car unnecessary, with all the public transport options available today, including cycle hire, car clubs and ride sharing, We need to make sure that fares are simple and good value, with easy-to-buy tickets that work across different transport modes, for those customers who take journeys using more than

All of these things aim to ensure our customers have an enjoyable journey, but unless we get them where they’re going on time, they are not going to choose bus. And that’s where we need to work together with local authorities, the Department for Transport, Transport for London (TfL) and other stakeholders, to provide holistic planning with customers’ needs at the forefront. Road pricing, aggregation of logistics, disincentivising car parking in city centres and other mechanisms to reduce congestion are the only way we can make public transport a competitor to car ownership. You mentioned buses as a solution to air pollution. What is Go-Ahead doing to improve air quality? Buses are absolutely at the A heart of helping to reduce air pollution, but this should be viewed in tandem with reducing congestion, providing solutions driven from customers’ needs and in the context of a public / private partnership framework. For example, we worked closely with TfL to convert our Waterloo bus garage into what is now Europe’s largest all-electric fleet and depot facility, an effort that has won some prestigious awards. As well as that, one of the ways we achieved our target to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 10% ahead of our 2018 schedule, (helping our re-accreditation with the Carbon Trust for carbon, water and waste reduction) is the continual investment in new buses. In addition to our all-electric bus depot, we have continually invested in maintaining a young, green fleet, the average age of which is one of the lowest in the sector at 7.3 years. We also operate over 1,600 alternative fuel buses. For many people, the fact that buses have lower or no local emissions will, I think, increasingly be a factor in their choice of getting around the city. n

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11/01/2018 18:25

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11/01/2018 11:30

WEST MIDL ANDS BUS AL L IANCE

BUS ALLIANCE BRINGS WEST MIDLANDS TOGETHER The West Midlands Bus Alliance is still going from strength to strength, delivering tangible results for passengers across the region

he latest example of joined-up alliance working is bringing improvements to bus services in Harborne, south-west Birmingham, via a two-pronged approach. National Express is bringing the buses, and Transport for West Midlands and Birmingham City Council are bringing highways improvements to speed up journey times for commuters. National Express West Midlands has spent £10m on 38 brand new top-spec buses from UK manufacturer Alexander Dennis Ltd. These beautiful new vehicles are good for the environment, being smart hybrids, which put out incredibly low levels of nitrogen oxides. Being part of National Express West Midlands' elegant Platinum fleet, they are also good for passengers - with comfy seats, extra legroom, free Wi-Fi and USB chargers, as well as the bus operators’ newer, faster and contactless ticket machines. In return, Birmingham City Council and Transport for West Midlands are channeling £3.27m of Department for Transport funding into: n a bus lane along Harborne Road into Birmingham city centre, speeding up bus journey times by eight minutes in the morning rush hour; n road improvements at Birmingham’s nearby Queen Elizabeth Hospital to improve reliability through the complex; n next-generation real-time information. The West Midlands Bus Alliance was the first of its kind in the

The West Midlands Bus Alliance was renewed at October's Coach & Bus UK show (above). It has seen significant efforts made to make bus travel more pleasant across the region

Focus and the Confederation of Passenger Transport; local highways authorities and local bus operators including National Express West Midlands, Stagecoach Midlands and Central Buses. The West Midlands Bus Alliance’s mission is to: n tackle congestion and make bus journeys quicker; n improve bus emissions standards; n make bus travel more attractive for young people; n shape the bus network to deliver economic growth; n make bus journeys better value; n make it easier to buy a ticket; n make it easier to catch the bus;

UK when it launched in 2015. It consists of Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street; Transport for West Midlands, the transport arm of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA); the Safer Travel Partnership; passenger watchdog Transport

n make it more pleasant to travel by bus. The Harborne improvements are only the latest examples of the Bus Alliance’s successful way of working. Since it launched three years ago, the Alliance has brought about: n £7.3m of investment in highways schemes to improve bus journey times; n 570 brand new and refurbished buses, driving up the standards of bus travel and helping to improve local air quality across the area; n £3.5m of successful funding bids to improve vehicle emission standards; n More than £1m of funding committed by the West Midlands Combined Authority to help contracted operators provide cleaner vehicles on subsidised services; n £550,000 of investment from the owners of Dudley’s Merry Hill shopping centre to modernise the bus station there. In 2016, the Lode Lane bus priority corridor between Solihull and Birmingham opened. Solihull Council’s £4.5m investment in three kilometres of bus lane and signal optimisation, plus £2m of investment from National Express West Midlands in Platinum buses, made the morning commute eight minutes faster for 25,000 bus passengers and brought a 5% rise in customers. Wolverhampton Council leader Roger Lawrence, lead member for transport for the WMCA, said: “The West Midlands Bus Alliance has been a great success. Four out of five public transport journeys made here are by bus - that’s an enormous number of people. “The bus network is of fundamental importance to this region which is why continuing investment in the network by ourselves and operators is so important. In doing so we will enable people to go about their lives supporting and contributing to the local economy and creating a vibrant and integrated region.” n

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11/01/2018 18:27

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11/01/2018 11:36

STAG ECOACH

BUSES BOOST AIR QUALITY Mark Threapleton, Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director, England & Wales, believes that a focus on the bus can improve air quality

ir quality was definitely one of the most talked about and prominent global issues of 2017 and that is not likely to change. Around the world, and within the UK, people are literally dying as a result of poor air quality in our towns and cities. Pollution was linked to nine million deaths worldwide in 2015 and in the UK, about 8% or 50,000 deaths annually are thought to be linked to pollution. So this is clearly something that we all need to take responsibility for and make the necessary changes to reverse these worrying statistics. The UK bus industry is in a unique position to help tackle this growing problem. One double deck bus can remove up to 75 cars from the road. And the latest generation of clean diesel British buses release fewer emissions overall than an equivalent standard of diesel car despite having 15 to 20 times the capacity. Diesel cars are the biggest contributors to NOx pollution from road transport, accounting for 41% of emissions compared with just 6% for buses and coaches. However, traffic congestion is strangling our towns and cities in the UK. Congestion has increased average bus journey times by 10% over the last decade, leading to higher fares and increasing pollution. The most recent bus passenger satisfaction statistics clearly showed that traffic congestion is having an increasingly damaging impact on passenger satisfaction across virtually all UK regions.

MOTACILLA

or vans... just buses. It’s worth remembering that buses are relied upon by the poorest, most vulnerable and most socially excluded groups. A badly implemented Low Emission Zone scheme that undermines bus services will also have negative impacts on access to employment, health, education as well as other critical social services. There have also been suggestions that all diesel buses should be banned from Clean Air Zones. This would be short-sighted and counterproductive and shows a lack of appreciation and understanding of the value of buses to local communities and local economies. Recent research by Professor David Begg found that if that approach was taken, bus

In London too, average traffic speeds have dropped to just over 7mph and bus patronage has declined in recent years. In Scotland, a recent independent report highlighted that longer journey times have in turn resulted in almost six million fewer bus journeys in the past four years, So it is clear that we need urgent action now from the politicians who have the ability to do something about it, to tackle traffic congestion and improve air quality. But are the decisionmakers focusing on the right solutions and making the most effective changes? It has been concerning to hear some of the anti-bus proposals that have emerged in some areas recently. In Glasgow, local politicians are suggesting banning buses from low emission zones next year if they don’t meet Euro 6 emissions standards. The rules would not initially apply to lorries

Mark Threapleton: ‘We need urgent action’

There is little awareness outside the bus industry about just how clean Euro 6 buses are

passengers would experience a reduction in service levels of at least 80%. He wrote that: “A reduction of service of this magnitude will not only be disastrous for bus passengers it will also have severe consequences for city economies, road congestion and social inclusion, causing levels of social deprivation to rise by nearly a third.” There is little awareness outside the bus industry about just how clean Euro 6 buses are and the extent to which diesel bus technology has progressed. The reality is that car manufacturers have not made the same progress on emission standards A Euro 6 diesel car emits 10 times the per passenger NOx compared to a Euro 6 diesel bus. By contrast, Euro 6 buses meet the government’s criteria around the implementation of Clean Air Zones. New and retrofitted buses can deliver the required NOx reduction. With appropriate Government support and investment, this can be done quickly and delivers much better value than other approaches such as diesel car or bus scrappage schemes. And retrofitting avoids the serious consequences that would be generated by banning diesel buses which, according to Begg, include a 6% reduction in employment, a 4% cut in incomes and an 8% increase in social deprivation. Removing a large number of buses would also increase the number of cars on the roads, resulting in even more congestion. It is clear that considered and effective action and investment is needed. Buses are part of the solution to improved air quality and must not be made a scapegoat. The bus industry is prepared to play its part in reversing this global problem but there needs to be a better understanding among politicians and others about the environmental benefits of bus and the damaging societal consequences of making the wrong decision. n

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Bus companies ride into the future... Let pas s engers tell you how to grow your bus ines s The Bus Passenger Survey (BPS) gives companies detailed comparable, benchmarked passenger feedback. Our expert advisors can help you understand and apply this valuable insight across your business. David Sidebottom, Transport Focus’s passenger director said:“Operators tell us the survey is an important tool for identifying improvements, setting objectives and delivering better service for passengers.” By signing up to the survey, companies such as First, Go-Ahead, Stagecoach, Arriva and National Express West Midlands, have greatly improved passenger experience and journey satisfaction. They have delivered improved customer service training for drivers, better ratings for value for money, and design features for new vehicles.

Last year, almost

9 10 in

passengers said they were satisfied with their bus service overall (87 per cent across the English areas covered)

If you want more information about getting more from the BPS in 2018, contact our senior insight advisor, Robert Pain, at Robert.Pain@transportfocus.org.uk or on 0300 123 0835

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TRANSPO RT FO CUS

their perceptions of existing ones, covering both bus and rail. The themes emerging from these projects are common and clear. Overall many passengers are receptive to the idea of smart ticketing. Passengers are clear that the introduction of smart ticketing is a shift into a more technologyfocused way of ticketing and would like the systems to be cutting edge and long-lasting. While for some this means that it should be a system that will be durable, others are keen that the technology used is forward-thinking and will not need to be replaced soon. Overall, we think that if a smart ticketing scheme delivers on each of these, its chance of being successful is high, as long as all elements are well designed with the passenger in mind and then explained and communicated well throughout. The key aspect for Transport Focus in this ongoing process is the PASSENGER and here we set out what could be included in arrangements such as partnerships and alliances, based both on our experience and our evidence-based research.

Transport Focus uses its knowledge to influence decisions on behalf of passengers

EVIDENCE-BASED CAMPAIGNING Transport Focus explains how its evidence-based research can help partnerships and alliances deliver the improvements to local bus services that passengers consider most important

ur mission is to get the best deal for transport users. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based campaigning and research, we ensure that we know what is happening on the ground. As the statutory body promoting the interests of bus passengers in England (outside London) we use our knowledge to influence decisions on behalf of passengers and we work with the industry, passenger groups and governments to secure journey improvements based on their priorities for improvement. To better understand what passengers experience from their local bus services we developed the Bus Passenger Survey in 2009. The survey has now become the recognised measure of bus passenger satisfaction and an influential and useful tool for benchmarking and comparing the

views of passengers. Now in its eighth year, the survey has grown in size and coverage to make it even more useful to bus operators, transport authorities and governments. The survey is helping pinpoint and drive improvements for passengers including new fare deals for passengers, enhanced customer service training for drivers, through to local and national bus company management teams being directly assessed against the results. For the first time in autumn 2017, the Bus Passenger Survey took place across England, Scotland and Wales in the same year. These results, covering the views of over 48,000 passengers, will be published in March... watch this space! The advent of the Bus Services Act 2017 provides the potential to improve the bus journey experience - through new arrangements between authorities and operators - and hence satisfaction for bus passengers. Transport Focus has researched bus passenger satisfaction with a range of factors, as well as passenger interest in potential new smart ticketing schemes and

IMPROVING PUNCTUALITY AND RELIABILITY

Bus passengers rank punctuality and running on time highly as priorities for improvement. Lateness of a bus arriving at a bus stop to start the journey causes more anxiety than a bus arriving late at the destination. Passengers can tolerate up to five minutes’ delay at the departure bus stop. After that satisfaction with punctuality decreases markedly, and again after 10 minutes. ENSURING FREQUENCY AND STABILITY OF BUS TIMES

Alongside punctuality, passengers want to know that the timetable doesn’t change too frequently. Our research found that passengers did not think it was acceptable to make changes to services more than twice a year and more than six out of ten wanted to be given at least four weeks’ notice of a major change.

MONITORING PASSENGER SATISFACTION TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS

It is important for operators and authorities to research (quantitatively and qualitatively) how satisfied passengers are with services both on the bus and at the bus stop. Transport Focus’s Bus Passenger Survey provides such an independent assessment which could be used to provide feedback on vital factors such as punctuality and cleanliness. A similar measure is used in rail to assess the passenger experience during a franchise. BUILDING TRUST: ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATION

Buses need to run on time, be reliable, deal well with disruption and offer value for money. Our research shows that building a relationship with passengers helps build loyalty and repeated use of services. Passengers should feel that the company really cares about what happens to them, especially during disruption, and is not remote and aloof. Drivers have an important role in showing empathy and care. SO WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE OF BUS….?

More young people use the bus than any other single group of passengers. Yet despite the importance of the bus to younger people we know from our Bus Passenger Survey that they are the least satisfied group of passengers. So, for this important group, there is a clear challenge to Government, bus operators and local authorities to make the bus a better experience. New research from Transport Focus to be published in early February 2018 sets out the current experiences and views of young bus passengers, and how the industry could attract and retain them as the bus users of tomorrow. As part of this new research we also took the opportunity to capture the experiences and needs of young people under the age of 16, an age group that our current survey work does not cover. n

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11/01/2018 18:32

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