An online conference to explore what is needed for the coach industry to transition to a zero-emission fleet and to inform the government’s roadmap for the sector will be held by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) on 1 December.
The members-only event will include an address from Under-Secretary of State for Transport Baroness Vere on the government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan and what it means for the coach industry, including what ministers expect from the sector. Lady Vere will also provide an update on the government’s plans and thoughts on coaches’ role in the journey towards net zero.
Other sessions will examine what CPT describes as “key barriers that operators face to decarbonising the coach fleet, including the range of batteries on electric vehicles, the lack of on route charging infrastructure, and the higher purchase price of zero-emission vehicles.” Representatives of the Green Finance Institute, National Express and Yutong will address delegates.
Also to speak is Addison Lee Head of Regulatory and External Affairs Andrew Westcott. He will look at that business’s pledge to use only electric vehicles from 2023 and how it has overcome challenges around doing so.
The Confederation adds that the conference “is an opportunity for coach operators to learn from each other and have conversations that will help to inform CPT’s own discussions with government on how the industry can transition to zero-emission alternatives.” CPT members who wish to attend should register in advance.
