The UK’s public transport system is often admired for its ubiquity, however, it has its fair share of challenges. But first, some numbers:
According to National Rail, it went on over 1.3 billion passenger journeys in 2022/2023. In the same period, the public sector spent about £26 billion on rail transport, which equates to 60% of the total transport budget.
Who is responsible for overseeing all of this, the UK Department for Transport (DfT). One of its most important jobs is funding and financial management. They must know what resources must be allocated to which divisions – rail, road, freight – and which projects in the divisions.
The resources must come from somewhere and it’s not all from the government. Many public and private sector suppliers play a critical role in supporting public transport, the top 10 of which we’ll look at below.
But first, a little more on the DfT
The Department of Transport’s Responsibilities
The Department of Transport has a huge amount of responsibilities that cover absolutely everything public transport related. Nine of the most important responsibilities covered by the transport department include:
- Helping local authorities to run and maintain their transport infrastructure and develop new transportation schemes.
- Maintaining and operating approximately 4300 miles of roadways.
- Strategic development for the rail industry in England and Wales, including funding, investment, awarding and managing contracts, and regulating fares.
- Improving bus services through funding and regulation.
- Encouraging greater use of low-carbon transport, like cycling and walking, to ease congestion and pollution.
- Implementing modern technology systems, for example, smart ticketing and low-carbon vehicles.
- Ensuring high safety and security standards.
- Developing the overarching transportation policy and strategies to support the maritime sector.
- Working with airlines, airports, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the air traffic service, NATS, to set national aviation policies.
Now, let’s turn attention to suppliers.
Top 10 Public Sector Transport Suppliers
Here is a list of ten of the best transport companies targeting the department of transport and the public sector.
1) 24×7 Group
24×7 Group provides a school transport service specifically for children with special needs. Vehicles are designed with the utmost accessibility in mind. All vehicles meet Euro 6 specification standards for low carbon vehicles. The Group goes the extra mile by training defensive driving techniques and sign language. Training also includes awareness courses for autism, ADHD, Asperger’s, and epilepsy.
The UK government uses 24×7 Group to provide activities of other holding companies not elsewhere classified.
2) Alliance Transfer Service
Alliance Transfer Service provides a range of transfer and transport services, including airport transfers, long distance trips, day trips, same day document delivery, events and special occasions, and contract services, for example, local authority transportation contracts.
The UK government uses Alliance Transfer Service for freight transport by road.
3) Donny Cabs
Donny Cabs prides itself on its affordable rates with absolutely no booking fees and hidden charges. Donny Cabs uses only the best drivers to ensure a reliable and above all, a safe journey. It provides vehicles of all sizes, as well as wheelchair accessibility.
The UK government uses Donny Cabs for taxi services.
4) AMCO
AMCO provides global logistics services designed to streamline freight requirements and provide a cost-effective alternative to running your own fleet of freight vehicles. Vehicles are fitted with the latest technology, including tracking systems, and can be kept on-site if needed.
The UK government uses AMCO for as yet undefined services.
5) Fast Cabs Ipswich
Fast Cabs Ipswich provides a range of transportation services, from taxi operations and airport transfers to executive travel and corporate account services. The fleet includes vehicles with wheelchair accessibility. It prides itself on its high standards (drivers and vehicles).
The UK government uses Fast Cabs Ipswich for taxi services.
6) Nippy Taxis
Nippy Taxis is based in Scarborough but operates across the UK. It’s been in the transportation industry for an impressive 50 years. Its fleet of vehicles are fully computerised and it prides itself on its ring back service on bookings. Drivers are well-qualified and have DBS clearance.
The UK government uses Nippy Taxis for other transportation support activities.
7) Amvale Medical Transport
Amvale Medical Transport provides medical transportation throughout the UK and Western Europe. Services are available 24/7 and include transplant and secure patient transport, as well as frontline and SEN (Special Needs) transportation services.
The UK government uses Amvale Medical Transport for business support service activities not elsewhere classified.
8) STL Logistics
STL Logistics is based in the Netherlands and has representative offices in many destinations worldwide and provides services in eight different languages. Logistical services include warehousing, distribution, insurance, customs facilities, and consolidation solutions. It covers road, sea, air, rail, barge, and special transport.
The UK government uses several services from STL Logistics:
- Real estate agencies
- Management consultancy services other than financial management
- Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified.
9) Network Cars Tottenham
Network Cars provides a first-class prestige car hire service that is Public Carriage Office (PCO) licenced and kitted out with the latest navigation and tracking systems. Their prestige fleet also includes executive class and seven-seater vehicles.
The UK government uses Network Cars as a taxi service.
10) Xpert Cars
Xpert Cars is a car hire company with professional drivers to chauffeur clients on their journey, including corporate transport, local trips, airport transfers, and, as a bonus courier and quick removals. The company prides itself on its personal touch and unparalleled customer service.
The UK government uses Xpert Cars for taxi services.
Marketing To The Public Transport Sector
Transport in the public sector is incredibly diverse, with many little offshoots, sidelines, and crossovers. Your marketing strategy must be highly targeted, so you don’t waste any resources going down roads that have no value.
There are some areas that the government lists as priorities. You can focus your marketing campaigns on:
- Skills shortages
- New community development
- Infrastructure
- Transport to optimise import/export opportunities
Cadence Marketing has decades of experience in the business-to-government (B2G) market and provides a host of services to help your message hit your target market.
Why not contact us now to find out more about the benefits you can enjoy when you partner with Cadence?
