Coach Membership

Coach Membership

RHA Coach Membership - Combines specialist expertise in the sector with the knowledge and experience we've gained from supporting operators of commercial vehicles for over 75 years, to support coach operators in an increasingly challenging environment.

Leading change for the sector - Working with key stakeholders, our experienced policy team is devoted to influencing government, linking industry to decision makers and shaping the future of the sector both nationally and locally. We have a strong track record in ensuring that the voice of our members is heard by policy makers.

Industry-leading best practice – we work with members, regulators and industry stakeholders to develop and maintain the standards the wider industry looks to. Our compliance, audit and help desk services are on hand to assist you and your business at every stage.

Unrivalled experience – we have over 75 years’ experience of representing the sector. As a member of our association, you will gain access to our expertise and a wide range of exclusive services at discounted member rates.

Becoming an RHA main member gives you immediate access to all you need to run a compliant operation. With competitive rates on our services, and full access to our industry knowledge and expertise at a local and national level, we support our membership every step of their journey.

As an RHA Member, you will not only enjoy the superb range of services we have to offer, but you will also be helping us to shape the industry for the future.

  • Industry expertise, guidance and support for your business
  • Local to you, and nationally
  • A dedicated, locally based area manager to visit you as and when required
  • Access to specialist coach industry advice and expertise
  • Industry updates direct to your inbox
  • Regular, on-line industry briefing sessions
  • RHA Helpdesk access
  • Access to the on-line Coach Operations Manual
  • Policy and campaigning information
  • 24/ 7 crisis advice and support
  • Preferential member rates for RHA compliance, analysis, training and business support services
  • Payment options – Annually or monthly
  • Active Campaigning
  • Use of the widely respected RHA branding
  • Access to the RHA Benevolent Fund

By making an offer to purchase any of the RHA’s membership services you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions set out in the RHA’s Articles of Association, Rules and Code of Conduct (in each case, as updated from time to time, available upon request).

RHA Coach Manifesto

In its Coaching Ahead – a manifesto for the coach industry, the Association sets out its key asks of government and other decision makers to support the sector.
 
Key RHA recommendations:

INTERNATIONAL COACH TRAVEL

Introduce pre-registration and online documentation to speed up border crossings.

Reform visa rules for drivers.

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR COACHES

Work with industry and local authorities to improve port and border facilities, roadside facilities and parking.

Motorway service areas should place greater priority on coaches, giving priority service to drivers to allow them to meet schedules and having parking areas more conveniently located for coach passengers to access services.

Local authorities should work with major tourist attractions, hotels and leisure facilities to ensure they provide sufficient coach parking and rest stops – and avoid traffic bans.

Government should issue clear guidance to local authorities on traffic management affecting coaches.

THE TRANSITION TO ZERO EMISSION COACHES

Work with industry and the market to develop a zero-emission coach travel roadmap up to 2050.

Invest in zero-emission refuelling and recharging infrastructure suitable for coaches.

Coaches should feature in the Government’s Zero Emission and Hydrogen Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) trials to develop vehicles with longer ranges to fulfil the functions needed.

An interim fuel duty incentive for low-carbon fuels so that coach operators can run the cleanest fleet possible while waiting for zero-emission operation to become viable.

Government to publish its much-delayed Low Carbon Fuels Strategy as soon as possible to give industry the confidence it needs to invest in alternative fuels.

Updated guidance on implementation of clean air schemes to ensure coaches aren’t unfairly targeted.

ADDRESSING THE SKILLS SHORTAGE

Extend the Skills Bootcamp course to include Category D licence acquisition along with technical courses such as tyre fitting.

Remove restrictions on 18-year-old drivers to allow them to undertake non-scheduled or occasional journeys, making coach driving a career choice for school and college leavers.

Review the driver apprenticeship scheme.

A SIMPLER REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

Reform PSVAR regulations to focus on journeys being accessible rather than the coach.

Government should look at potential review and reform of PSV drivers’ hours.
 
Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said:

“Coaches are a great economic enabler and an affordable and green mode of transport.

“Operators deserve more support which is why we’re urging the next Government to help our sector fulfil its full potential and connect more people to more destinations, boosting economies and minimising the environmental impact of travel.”
 
 

Contact Us

  • Call the RHA's membership team on 01733 263434
  • Email us at [email protected]
  • Request a call back by clicking here

COACH MEMBERSHIP

A membership designed specifically for coach operators. Compliance, area manager support, and the policy change the coach sector needs. RHA driving business on our roads.

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Jenna Rush Managing Director at North East Coach Travel

“The RHA’s experience of lobbying government to lead change puts them in a unique position to support our sector. I look forward to utilising the services, guidance and expertise offered by their newly expanded coaches team in the future.”

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Andrew Scott Director at Stanley Travel

“This new membership is exactly what the industry needs after such a turbulent year. The RHA have a track record of driving business on our roads and will provide operators with the solutions, guidance and expertise needed to support business recovery. It is a must-have for coach businesses in 2021.”

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Richard Bamber Managing Partner at Anthony’s Travel

“The coach industry is an essential but unheralded part of the UK transport system which usually tends to go under radar and unheard. By joining forces with the RHA we are able to finally provide a voice that will be loud and proud for coach operators.”

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RHA driving business on our roads

As the trade association for road transport operators, we are committed to driving business on our roads and have a wealth of coach expertise and a proven track record in delivering policy support to drive change that benefits our members. Our experience of working with government to lead change puts us in a unique position to support coach companies moving forward.

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