Free conference on franchising and sector change – 16 September, Leeds

Route forward: The future of the bus and coach sector

Tuesday 16 September 2025 | 09:00–13:00 | Clayton Hotel, Leeds

This half-day, in-person conference is designed to help operators and public transport stakeholders think ahead and respond to the opportunities and challenges posed by re-regulation and evolving service models.

We’ll be exploring:

How to respond to re-regulation and new franchising frameworks
Smarter ways to deliver services and build stronger partnerships
Practical insights from across the sector

The event will be chaired by David Guest and will feature sector leaders, policy experts, and an interactive panel discussion. It’s free to attend (with only travel costs to consider), and we’re aiming to create space for practical takeaways and sector-wide conversation.

Here’s the registration link and a short write-up from Route One below:

Register: https://forms.office.com/e/LFSFAGDTsh

Route One article: https://www.route-one.net/news/future-of-coach-and-bus-to-be-explored-at-september-conference/

Author: Margaret

Administrator and Membership Manager for UK Coach Operators Association since June 2024 View all posts by Margaret

News

Week of overnight M2, A249 and A2 closures in Kent during July 2025

Full details have been confirmed for the overnight road closures that will impact travel on Kent’s motorways and major A-roads this week. Stretches of the A2, M2, A249 and A21 will shut at various points throughout the week for different planned works. This includes a series of closures of the A249 Sittingbourne Road between Stockbury … Continue reading “Week of overnight M2, A249 and A2 closures in Kent during July 2025”

Works on Park Lane northbound: 19 May to 18 Sep 2025

We now have updated dates for the Park Lane works, in addition to bus NOEs (attached), from Monday 19 May until Thursday 18 September. All dates continue to be subject to change. These works are to make permanent the infrastructure that was put in place for the Park Lane cycle lane. The works will be … Continue reading “Works on Park Lane northbound: 19 May to 18 Sep 2025”

All-Party Parliamentary Group for Bus and Coach

Last night, 16th December 2024, UKCOA Managing Director, Peter Bradley had the privilege of speaking at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Bus and Coach. This Group brings together parliamentarians and Industry stakeholders to discuss key issues, drive initiatives and champion the growth and survival of our sector. We are proud to play an active role … Continue reading “All-Party Parliamentary Group for Bus and Coach”

A30 Road works update to 8th September 2025

A30 westbound within the B3184 junction | Westbound | Road Works Location : The A30 westbound. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 1 April 2025 to 5 April 2025. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 7 April 2025 to … Continue reading “A30 Road works update to 8th September 2025”

CONGRATULATIONS to Stephen Telling – President of the UKCOA

Steve Telling, President of the UKCOA (and involved in its predecessor the LTCOA) for 35 years this year. At this months board meeting, Steve was presented with some pictures from the industry from 35 years ago and a bottle of whiskey by Tom James, Vice Chairman and Anthony Marett, Chairman, as a small token of … Continue reading “CONGRATULATIONS to Stephen Telling – President of the UKCOA”

School Groups Travelling Through The Port of Dover

The Port of Dover is launching a new pilot to simplify and speed up border checks for school groups travelling from the UK to France – and it starts 3 April 2025. Under the scheme, school groups that submit passenger information to their ferry operator at least 72 hours in advance could benefit from faster … Continue reading “School Groups Travelling Through The Port of Dover”