Following the positive response to the launch of the Peninsula Transport Online Coach Forum during May, the Teams channel has garnered sufficient interest from across the industry to prompt a dedicated area on the Peninsula Transport website.
This new online hub operates in addition to the existing Teams platform and in person Western Gateway STB Coach Forums; and has been developed to support continued growth by providing a central space for information sharing, updates, and collaboration around the South West coach industry.
Going live on September 8th, the new private forum has been designed with ease of use in mind and is free to join. It features intuitive navigation to ensure accessibility for all users, regardless of technical experience.
The platform will host latest conversations, news, relevant documents, meeting notes, event information, and other resources to help members stay informed and connected.
It marks the next step in expanding the organisation’s stakeholder communication within the coach industry and continues to foster productive dialogue between operators, local authorities, and key stakeholders across the South West.
Cllr John Stephens, Peninsula Transport chair commented:
“We are delighted with the reception of the Online Coach Forum and this purpose built forum on our website marks the next step in providing the region with a stronger voice and ensuring coach remains a key part of our transport future.
“With informative content and intuitive use, the forum complements the existing Teams forum and Western Gateway STB in person Coach Forums.”
Phil Smith, UK Coach Manager for Confederation of Passenger Transport who represents many of the UK’s coach companies, welcomes the expansion:
“The South West of England continues to be a leading destination for coach tourism, and we’re delighted with the progress being made. Our members welcome the region’s recognition of the vital role coaches play in supporting sustainable travel, improving air quality, and easing congestion across the road network – ensuring more visitors can enjoy everything the South West has to offer responsibly.”
The Coach Action Plan from Peninsula Transport is the first of its kind for the region and outlines a shared vision for ensuring coach services remain accessible, reliable and valued for long-distance travel.
Following the plan’s adoption, Peninsula Transport has begun delivering a set of early actions to build momentum:
- Launch the Regional Coach Forum
- Create an Information Portal for Operators
- Increase CPT-accredited ‘Coach Friendly’ towns in the region
- Conduct an Accessibility Gap Analysis of the Coach Network
More updates will be shared through forum sessions and upcoming communications.
Join the Online Coach Forum via Teams here and via the website here
Read the full Coach Action Plan here.