Collaboration with other parties including policy makers and different sectors of businesses is vital if the bus industry is to maximise its potential, but the sector must avoid pitting itself directly against alternative modes, delegates at the ALBUM conference in Edinburgh heard in a panel discussion on policy on 25 April.
Engaging with groups that also have a stake in city and town centres is important for operators to see how their own interests sit alongside wider views on how urban areas work, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz McAreavey told attendees. When that does not happen, harmful unintended consequences can result, she says.
Ms McAreavey notes that an operator’s involvement with wider policy should be at the formulation stage, not just when it is being drafted. As an example of how a disjointed approach can develop, Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland Director Paul White points to a trial that is to see peak rail fares removed in Scotland.
Such a step “offers subsidy to existing public transport users while leaving the car alone,” says Mr White. He questions whether the trial will impact bus ridership.
How bus travel is embedded in the public conscience was also explored. It is a quandary, the parties present agreed. However, building relationships around a policy desire is key “because then you will not be the only person saying it,” adds Mr White.
Another panel member highlighted the importance of the on-bus experience, but Ms McAreavey illustrates the difficulty faced there. Edinburgh has a high-quality bus service, but still many people do not use it. “If they are still not getting aboard, what is wrong?” she asks.
