UKCOA

17/04/2026

We’re all set up and ready to welcome you at the 70th UK Coach Rally in Blackpool this weekend.

Come and step on board our UKCOA coach stand, have a look around, meet the team, and chat with us about everything happening across the coach industry.

Whether you’re an operator, driver, supplier or just passionate about coaches, it’s a great chance to connect and be part of the event.

We’ll be here throughout the rally, so come and say hello.

02/04/2026

Fuel price volatility is hitting the coach sector hard, and the pressure is mounting.

We’ve called on government to intervene urgently to support operators facing rising costs driven by global events and sustained increases at the pump. Across the wider transport sector, fuel prices have surged significantly in recent weeks, adding real strain to already tight margins .

Without action, there is a risk to services, jobs, and the vital role coaches play in keeping people moving efficiently and sustainably.

Read more about our call for support 👇

UKCOA has written to government outlining a package of interventions that would help address the current fuel crisis.

25/03/2026

We were delighted to have Volvo UK once again host our Annual Conference at their HQ in Warwick on Monday. This years attendance exceeded all previous years which was in no small part due to our excellent speakers.

A particular highlight for everyone was the mock Public Inquiry on PSVAR compliance presented by James and William Backhouse and Senior Traffic Commissioner Kevin Rooney.

To quote Mr Rooney "How familiar are you with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) No 181/2011?"

Thank you to all who attended.

23/02/2026

Only one month to go until the UKCOA Conference.

Reserve your place now!

17/02/2026

The window is open – but not for long.

The Government is actively consulting on relaxing the current restrictions that prevent 18 and 19-year-olds from driving buses and coaches on regular services over 50km. This is a real opportunity to tackle the driver shortage head on and secure the next generation of professional drivers.

If you operate coaches, this directly affects your ability to recruit, train and retain young talent.

It’s critical that operators add their voice. The more evidence and real-world examples Government receives from our sector, the stronger the case for change.

Don’t assume others will respond. Decisions like this are shaped by who engages.

Take a few minutes. Complete the survey. Make the case for practical, safe reform that supports growth in our industry.

www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/operatorevidencesurvey18and19yearolddrivingrestrictions/

If we want change, we need to show up.

03/02/2026

A great addition to the UKCOA team

We’re pleased to welcome Ian Jones, formerly of Backhouse Jones, who has joined the UK Coach Operators Association as Business Development and Marketing Consultant.

Ian is well known across the coach industry. An experienced lawyer with years spent advising and representing coach operators, he brings a deep understanding of the regulatory, commercial, and operational realities facing the sector, and a genuine passion for coach travel.

Ian will be working closely with the UKCOA Board and staff team as we continue to strengthen our voice with government, regulators, and key decision-makers in the UK and beyond. He’ll also play a central role in growing the UKCOA’s membership, helping to increase our collective influence and impact.

Please join us in welcoming Ian to the UKCOA. 👏

23/01/2026

The government has announced that the PSV Accessible Information Regulations Exemption for rail replacement services will end on 31 July and there will be no further extension.

During our next members meeting we will be discussing what this means for the coach industry along with a guest presentation from UKCOA Partner Starpal.AI on the solution they have created to comply with AIR.

Join us on Tuesday 27 January at 10:30 to find out more.

Not a UKCOA member? Just email [email protected] and we’ll send you the link.

24/12/2025

08/12/2025

We were saddened to start this week with the news of the passing of Keith Davies, whose contribution to Pat’s Coaches and to the wider coach community leaves a lasting legacy.

Keith was instrumental in helping Pat’s Coaches grow into the respected operator it is today. He brought a steady hand, a strong sense of pride in the business, and a genuine commitment to the people and communities it served.

His influence will be felt not only within the company but across North Wales and among many in our industry who valued his professionalism and dedication.

We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and everyone at Pat’s Coaches.

25/11/2025

Join the UKCOA team!

We’re looking for a Membership and Media Co-ordinator (part-time, home-based) to help engage members, manage communications, and support the day-to-day running of the Association.

If you know someone with strong organisational skills, social media savvy, and a passion for the coach industry, tag them or share this post!