Coach
Coaches are often a neglected aspect of local transport planning that have the potential to play an important role in improving connectivity and reducing carbon emissions and congestion. However, there are challenges facing our Western Gateway region’s coach sector, including connectivity gaps, poor facilities and driver shortages, and we need to work collectively to develop a financially sustainable, socially inclusive and efficient coach network.
Western Gateway Coach Strategy
In recognition of the above, we commissioned consultants AECOM to produce a coach strategy for the Western Gateway STB region.
The Western Gateway Coach Strategy explores the current state of play of coach service provision and associated infrastructure; confirms the key challenges facing coach services in our area; and identifies opportunities for improvements to coaches, within a framework of our Strategic Transport Plan’s objectives and desired long-term outcomes.
The 36 proposed interventions in the strategy are grouped into six strategic themes of: connectivity, decarbonisation, information and passenger experience, infrastructure and facilities, fleets and operations efficiencies, and strategic policy and coordination.
A key recommendation of the strategy is to establish a South West Coach Sector Steering Group, bringing together public and private stakeholders to take forward the interventions identified in the strategy.
To read the Western Gateway Coach Strategy click here.