Driver Shortage Roundtable @ Busworld Europe

Driver Shortages in the Road Passenger Transport Industry
10 October 2023
Busworld – Brussels
14:00 – 16:00

IRU, the voice of commercial transport operators, is organising a roundtable at Busworld Europe, “Driver shortages in the road passenger transport industry”, featuring decision-makers and road transport representatives. The roundtable will explore what is being done – and what else needs to be done – to structurally address the shortage of bus and coach drivers.

Europe has an ageing professional bus and coach driver population: only 3% are below 25 years of age, while drivers over 55 make up more than 40% of the workforce and are set to retire in the next five to ten years. 

With a very low rate of replacement, the shortage of drivers across the EU could worsen significantly in the coming years if no action is taken and the very survival of transport businesses will be at risk, ultimately endangering the ability of our societies and economies to move in a safe, secure, green, affordable, and socially inclusive way.

Coach tourism is facing challenging times, although a renewed attention for group tourism by coach is clearly felt in the market. Difficult access regulations for coaches in city centres and the new drive and rest time regulations for coach drivers promise to be a logistical nuisance. 
A stronger collaboration with long-term partnerships between different tourist stakeholders can strengthen the market position of coach tourism.
Take part in the discussion and share your ideas, best practices and solutions!

We will also share the latest bus and coach driver shortage figures, based on our annual driver shortage survey, during the roundtable discussion.

IRU members can get free access to the exhibition and conference. Please contact the Events Team for more information.