The head of the Spanish Business Federation of Passenger Transport, ASINTRA, has a long professional career; which has recently been distinguished with the Medal for Merit in Land Transport by the Ministry of Public Works. In this interview granted to our blog, Barbadillo outlines the main challenges facing the sector and how bodywork companies can contribute to shaping its future
1.- How many companies are part of the entity you preside over and what objectives are pursued?
ASINTRA represents all specialties of road passenger transport – regular, discretionary, and urban -, regardless of the size and location of the company, as well as all its complementary activities, such as bus stations. It is made up of 24 federated organizations and directly affiliated companies, with a total of nearly 2,000 companies, with a fleet exceeding 20,000 units, providing direct employment to around 40,000 workers.
Through the Federation, all aspects that companies cannot resolve individually can be collectively addressed, promoting collaboration, cooperation, and exchange among them and acting as a meeting point and resolution for all issues affecting the sector.
2.- What courses and initiatives will ASINTRA launch in the coming months?
Last September, we launched the 2015-2016 Training Plan, through which, thanks to aid from the Ministry of Public Works, with a total subsidy of almost 360,000 euros, we will be able to offer a total of 165 courses, free of charge to companies in the sector, until next July 2016.
Among these courses, those that stand out are the mandatory continuous training CAP; digital tachograph; safe driving; evacuation and safety in school transport; economical, ecological, and efficient driving; protocol for drivers in the event of a traffic accident; provision of assistance to people with disabilities or reduced mobility; or first aid and safety in school and children’s transport, among others.
On the other hand, next January will mark the start of the 6th edition of the Master’s Degree in Management and Business Administration of Road Passenger Transport Companies. An initiative that offers transport entrepreneurs and professionals a unique opportunity within the sector: training for management development and networking.
Also, following the success of the first edition and looking ahead to next year, we want to hold another Summer Transport Course, so that the initiative once again becomes the meeting point and update on the main trends and innovations in road passenger transport.
3.- Recently, ASINTRA and FENEBÚS joined forces to establish the Spanish Confederation of Bus Transport, CONFEBÚS, what is the objective of its creation? Will other associations be part of this confederation in the future?
CONFEBÚS aims to be the leading representative body for bus transport businesses in Spain, to strengthen the sector and provide it with a new spirit adapted to current times and the demands of our companies, with the objective of generating economic synergies and promoting business ethics.
We want to renew the sector’s image, increase its visibility, and respond to the major challenges and issues we face today: defense of the sector against debts from public administrations, transport taxation, intermodality, and sustainable mobility (accessibility, economic efficiency, and environmental respect).
We are committed to sustainable mobility and believe it is necessary to reorient actions to demand from companies, in a regulated sector, scrupulous compliance with current regulations and the establishment of a more efficient business model that ensures competitiveness and safety of transport, as well as the integration and accessibility of all users with the highest quality standards.
CONFEBÚS is born with an inclusive vocation, we speak a single language, that of road passenger transport, so the door is open to all those who wish to be part of this project.
4.- In your opinion, what are the major challenges for the sector in the medium and long term?
As I announced during our General Assembly, held last May, ASINTRA has set a plan for the next 5 years, whose objective will be to recover bus transport demand at a rate of 4% per year, to reach a 20% increase by 2020: the Plan 20-20. To achieve this objective, we must work together and rely fundamentally on eight actions: governance, financing, infrastructure, innovation, sustainability, taxation, quality, and image.
Governance. Providing a favorable regulatory framework for the development of the activity and improving coordination at all levels of the Administration will allow the sector to make the necessary long-term investments in a stable legal environment. Among the regulatory reforms we propose, the most notable is enabling greater opening of the long-distance market in EU Member States that have not yet done so, based on the Spanish concession model, which allows for the structuring of the territory without cost to the Administrations. It will also be necessary to reduce the administrative burdens borne by the sector.
The second area of action is Financing. It is essential to create adequate financing instruments to eliminate the arrears of Public Administrations and provide bus transport services with the necessary stability.
Infrastructure. It is a priority to optimize the access of regional and local authorities to financing, including funds from the Trans-European Transport Network, for the renewal and construction of specific infrastructure.
It is also necessary to promote Innovation and technological change, encouraging the use of intelligent transport systems in the areas of information, travel planning, and multimodal ticket sales.
Sustainability. This premise is based mainly on the substitution of fossil fuels with alternatives, when economically viable and ecologically rational. It is also essential to improve efficiency, safety, and commercial speed, increasing traffic priority for bus transport in order to reduce congestion and increase the attractiveness of our services.
The sixth pillar is Taxation. All taxation affecting the transport sector must be reviewed to establish equal conditions between modes.
Service Quality is another point that needs to be addressed. To this end, the training of sector professionals must be improved, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance customer service.
And finally, Image. We must be aware that the image of the bus does not reflect the reality of the sector. It is perceived as an obsolete mode of transport, and it is our duty to convey what it truly is: a leading and avant-garde sector.
5- What role do bodywork companies play in the future of the sector?
Bodywork companies play a priority role in the future of road passenger transport. A sector that has consolidated over the years as a powerful industry, a leader in Europe in terms of safety and innovation.
They have managed to face difficulties in an increasingly complex environment, adapting to new market requirements and taking advantage of all opportunities, thus maintaining their leadership position.
Spanish bodywork manufacturers offer the widest possible variety of technical mobility solutions to meet any level and demand need. They have a business model based on flexibility of supply, customer proximity, competitiveness, technological development, and innovation capacity. In just a few years, this industry has managed to place the Spanish fleet of buses and coaches among the most modern and best in Europe, at very competitive prices, with significant savings in consumption and high levels of quality, safety, innovation, reliability, and environmental respect.
6- Of all the years you have been president of ASINTRA, what has been the most rewarding moment for you?
Throughout my professional career at ASINTRA, there have been many good moments, but perhaps I would highlight two in particular.
The first was when the ASINTRA entrepreneurs decided to entrust me with the presidency of the Federation, giving me their absolute confidence. People to whom I owe a great deal and with whom I share a strong friendship.
On the other hand, a year ago, the Ministry of Public Works decided to award me the Medal for Merit in Land Transport, which recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves significantly through their actions in this field. A distinction that I received with gratitude, pride, emotion, and great satisfaction.
We would like to thank Rafael here for his kindness and willingness to grant this interview for our www.
