17 March 2021 | David Young
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive reacts to the National Bus Strategy
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, "Yesterday's publication of the long-awaited National Bus Strategy is welcome news, providing much needed clarity to the beleaguered bus sector. However, if we are to bring back stability and assure bus manufacturing competitiveness, we need funding allocated to new bus purchase now, not in a year's time.
"Furthermore, it is important that any allocation of funding is impartial, giving rural communities an equal chance to upgrade their bus fleets to the latest, greenest technology. Significant investment as well as improvement in planning policy are also needed to deliver the necessary charging infrastructure to accommodate the green revolution in passenger transport.
"Lastly, although it's a good first step for the bus sector, the strategy does not address the needs of the coach industry, which also faces a crisis deepened by more than a year of lockdown restrictions. SMMT will work with government and all stakeholders to ensure Bus Back Better can deliver for the bus and coach sector to meet our collective ambitious net zero target."
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