Corporate Responsibility

We believe corporate responsibility (CR) reporting is changing. So you’ll notice a difference in our 2007 CR report. Instead of an annual document, we will now be reporting separately on the specific issues facing our industry. ‘More is less’ is the starting point and is our vision for public transport in 2020.

The UK is on the move. We are travelling further and more often than ever before. And this is set to continue. If we keep putting pressure on the transport system, what will this do to our quality of life? And given that transport is our economy’s fastest growing source of greenhouse gases, what will it do to the environment? Common sense says this trend isn’t sustainable: something has to change.

At National Express we’re not complacent about the need to minimise our own carbon emissions and we continue to take practical steps to improve the efficiency of our operations and to trial new technology and fuels.  But we also recognise the need to work collectively to dramatically reduce greenhouse gasses and create a low-carbon economy. The role of transport in this is crucial, both in terms of the effects on the economy and on people’s lifestyles. One of the most important steps anyone can make in reducing their carbon footprint is to switch to low-carbon transport. That’s why having a workable, integrated public transport system is essential. Why it needs continued investment and funding. Why it needs a vision.

We see an exciting future for public transport. Not only can it improve the quality of people’s lives it can play a major part in tackling climate change. But only if people actually want to use it. As a public transport business, we are working to increase its appeal and encourage its use. If we make travel simpler, more convenient and more relaxing, we can attract people from cars and planes and onto low-carbon options such as coaches, trains and buses. We have the opportunity to make a big difference.

To succeed consumers’ increasing needs and expectations need to be met. They want more flexibility, more options, real-time information, accessible services and the security of knowing they’ll get where they want to go, on time and in safety. Our job is to meet those expectations and stay a step ahead. But we can’t act alone. Partnerships between national and local government, transport operators and town planners are key to removing the barriers to public transport use.

We have a picture of how an intelligent public transport system should look. We want to build an integrated system, join-up our services and develop ticketing systems that make it easier for customers to get where they need to go using the most effective mode of transport. We’ve begun the journey. Come with us. And please feel free to give us your feedback by completing the feedback form at the back of the report or online in the feedback section.

Richard Bowker CBE
Chief Executive

May 2008