CPT calls for government to address bus and coach driver shortages

The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has urged government to help fill bus and coach driver shortages by removing barriers “preventing new entrants from starting careers behind the wheel”.

The UK currently faces a 3.4% shortage of bus drivers and a 12.4% shortage of coach drivers, equivalent to a shortfall of more than 4,000 drivers nationwide.

Despite strong recruitment efforts, CPT says operators are hampered by regulations which slow down training and restrict young people from driving.

Among the solutions, according to CPT, is removing route restrictions for 18- and 19-year-olds, with qualified drivers under 20 currently limited to regular services covering no more than 50km.

CPT says government should also allow young people to begin theory and off-road modules before their provisional licence is issued, given the process often takes weeks or months – meaning candidates may accept a training course but then opt for other sectors offering a more immediate opportunity.

A public consultation was held last year on removing the 50km restriction for 18–19-year-old bus and coach drivers, but no outcome has yet been published.

Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of CPT, said: “We all want safe, reliable and affordable bus and coach services. The quickest way to support that is to unlock the potential of young people who are eager to start their careers in our sector.

“The government has already taken this step for rail – now it’s time to back Britain’s buses and coaches by removing these outdated restrictions.”