The challenges of recruiting young people to become bus drivers was the focus of a ministerial visit to Stagecoach in Carlisle.
Guy Opperman, Minister for Roads and Local Transport visited Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire’s Carlisle bus depot on Tuesday for the launch of the Government’s new consultation into driver recruitment among young people.
Guy Opperman, who is also the MP for Hexham, met with young drivers from Stagecoach and Stanley Travel to learn more about their experiences in the industry and why they chose to pursue a career in the field.
Young people are currently underrepresented among drivers for buses and coaches but the Government minister hopes that this consultation will encourage them to view this as a viable career opportunity whilst also addressing driver shortages.
Mr Opperman, said: “Being a bus, coach or lorry driver can be an excellent career for young people and these proposals could help get younger talent into transport, encouraging diversity in the sector.
“This could be a win-win, not only improving job opportunities for those leaving school but also going some way to continue to ease driver shortages, delivering more reliable bus and coach services and a more resilient supply chain as part of our plan to grow the economy.”
The consultation is a positive move with industry leaders welcoming the focus on breaking down barriers to entry and retaining younger drivers.
Tom Waterhouse, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “One of the barriers that our industry, and Stagecoach in particular, has is attracting young people into the career. In particular, attracting young people to become drivers with us.
“This consultation is really about understanding how we can look at those barriers and make it more accessible for young people.”
Andrew Scott, director of Stanley Travel, added: “Whatever comes of the consultation, it’s got to be an improvement on where we’re at now.
