What we learned as transport partner for COP26 & how it can help you.

It’s not every day you are asked to be part of one of the world’s leading global events, that’s why we pulled out all the stops to ensure we planned, managed, and delivered a first-class service for COP26!

55k passengers, 24hours a day service, 1466 journeys, 24 days.

All part of our service delivery to ensure that the thousands of security and logistics staff (1500 to be precise) were exactly where they needed to be and on time as part of the transport package, we provided for COP26.

What set us aside

In the autumn of 2021, the largest ever gathering of world leaders took place in Glasgow. Not only were we honoured to be part of the event, we were privileged to have the responsibility of ensuring the security staff for the event were transported to where they needed to be, maintaining the fluidity of an event the eyes of the world were watching. 

However, with this privilege came commitment, dedication and precision, something the Travel Connect team has in abundance.

So what made our service so special - how did we do it? We’d love to say it was easy, but the reality is, it was hard work!

COP26 was a one of kind event for the UK, however, our staff are well versed in delivering high-profile event transport, so it was our experience, tenacity and desire for first-class customer service that ensured we delivered for our client.

From ensuring our fleet was as sustainable as possible, to crisis management, contingency planning, forecasting and budget management, we pulled out all the stops.

For each event we work on there are complexities, unforeseen client requirements and changes to plans, however for an event on this scale the demands are even higher, the pressure increases and there is definitely no room for error.

What did we do well and how can you benefit from our experience?

First off, we left nothing to chance. 
From route planning, site visits and scheduling, we worked alongside the event organisers, our client, the local authority planning teams and the regional police department to develop a robust yet fluid operational plan. From road closures to diversions, we tried, tested and timed our routes fine-tuning as required. We worked extensively with each of our suppliers and our control room teams, briefing, coordinating, and re-planning, putting in place contingencies should the need arise. We took into account the high alert status of the city and our plans were agile and reactive.

Planned, planned and planned 

Months in the making we left no stone unturned. From managing the accreditation of each of our drivers to keep in line with the security regulations required for the VIP delegates, to the impact of Covid restrictions on our operations, to factoring in the potential risks imposed by client changes and the impact this could have on drivers exceeding the legal driving hours, we prepared contingencies and tested route plans to the nth degree. 

Experience

Sometimes it’s only through experience that you can foresee potential issues. Luckily for our clients, we have bags of experience. That’s why we took it upon ourselves to ensure we had reviewed the impact other events taking place in the city would have on our delivery plans and it was a good job we did. As it turned out there were 50k football fans requiring transport from a nearby stadium during our event delivery and given we had investigated this we were able to change our route plans for the evening and avoid transport disruption for our client.

The best laid plans

Well of course, we experienced our fair share of curve balls however, given the resource we had dedicated to this event we were able to provide solutions quickly and effectively. From the date of the summit extending beyond our contract to the last minute restrictions imposed by Police Scotland. We resourced additional vehicles and staff to maintain service level until the completion of the event, we managed timetable changes and additional obligations imposed to support high-level security breaches. How did we do it? Team work, preparation, planning, and experience.

With Travel Connect, we expect the unexpected and are dedicated to supporting our clients from the first pick up to the last drop off, no matter what it takes.

For information on how we can support your next event, get in touch.