About ALBUM

ALBUM exists to represent and support the vitally important municipally owned and independent SME bus sector in the UK.

ALBUM advocates for the municipal and SME bus sector in respect of Government policy, responds to government consultations affecting the bus industry, shares information and best practice with the aim of encouraging more people to travel by bus, and provides networking opportunities for managers in the industry.

We have around 160 members representing over 40 bus operators, including all municipal bus companies and a large part of the independent UK bus sector. In total, ALBUM members operate nearly 6,000 buses in the country and frequently achieve some of the highest passenger satisfaction scores in the country.

As well as operator members, we have over 50 Associate Members, who represent key suppliers and stakeholders to the UK bus industry.

ALBUM consistently advocates for a diverse, inclusive bus market that values the sector-leading contributions of small and medium-sized operators. As franchising expands and decisions are made about the future of bus services, ALBUM is calling on transport authorities to support policies that protect competition, encourage innovation, and retain the best of local expertise.

We encourage bus industry suppliers to join as Associate Members – this helps to foster relationships and facilitates the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

We hold regular meetings of Managing Directors and have separate marketing, engineering, commercial & operation groups which meet regularly.

Each year we hold a well-regarded conference which is a fantastic way for suppliers and operator members to get together and work to build a better bus industry.

We are proud supporters of the UK Bus Awards and Euro Bus Expo. We’re are pleased to work in partnership with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), Urban Transport Group (UTG), Bus Users UK, ROSCO and many other stakeholders.

Join us today and you will be joining a network supporting the municipal and SME bus sector and will benefit from a wealth of experience, expertise and above all friendly and helpful advice and support.

All industry suppliers are welcome to join ALBUM as an Associate Member.

You will benefit from:

  • ALBUM Conference exhibitor discount
  • Priority access to conference booking: available space and position of stand or vehicle
  • Greater media and other exposure before, during and after the annual conference
  • Website listing
  • Opportunity for ‘supplier spotlight’ on ALBUM social media platforms and in ALBUM membership email newsletter
  • Opportunity to include supplier news in ALBUM membership email newsletter
  • Opportunity for a 10-minute presentation at monthly MD online meeting
  • Opportunity to host, and present at, quarterly sub-group (Engineering, Operations, Marketing) in-person meetings

The ALBUM Engineering Group is the must be place for Engineering Directors and Managers to keep abreast of the latest innovations and developments with bus fleets and technology.

These meetings are a valuable opportunity for colleagues to share experiences, discuss current challenges and contribute to sector-wide learning. Strong attendance helps ensure a wide range of perspectives, discussion and feedback.

The Engineering Group meet regularly, often at the premises of a vehicle manufacturer or supplier, giving you exclusive access to senior figures in businesses that support our industry.

If you’d like to be part of the Marketing Group, please contact Ian Bates to get involved.

Our Retired Members Group sees longstanding and influential figures from independent and municipal bus operators meet, socialise and reminisce, but, importantly, also stay connected with today’s industry.

An Annual Reunion takes place each Spring, most recently hosted in Nottingham. The weekend included a tour of both of NCT’s bus garages, along with a visit to the National Tramway Museum at Crich and an evening dinner at the University of Nottingham.

If you’re a retired employee of an ALBUM operator, please contact Steve Burd to get involved with the Retired Members Group.

The ALBUM Marketing group meet twice a year, sharing their expertise and knowledge on how we communicate to our colleagues and customers, as well as trying to attract more people on to the bus.

Attendees range from the large municipal to the smaller independents and the meetings are great way to share problems and ideas with your counterparts in the industry.

If you’d like to be part of the Marketing Group, please contact Anthony Carver-Smith to get involved.

Join ALBUM’s Commercial and Operations Forum and you will benefit from a wealth of experience, expertise and above all friendly and helpful advice and support from colleagues in like-minded roles!

The Forum meet in person three times a year, with attendees including Managing Directors, Operations/Commercial Directors or managers from the operations side of the business.

The meetings take place by visiting host operators across the country to gain an understanding of their operations and to discuss the issues/challenges we all face from an operational, commercial and compliance perspective.

So if you’re seeking reassurance or help with an issue you’re facing, or want to see what happens at another ALBUM operation, contact Ian Bieniowski to register your interest.