Transport Secretary, , has today (28 November 2024)
set out her vision for a more joined up and locally-led transport
across England in a speech to Mayors and transport bosses.
Speaking at Leeds Civic Hall, she outlined her vision for a new
Integrated National Transport Strategy, the first in a quarter of
a century – which will set out a ‘people first approach' to
getting people around the country. Recognising that different
passengers have different needs, and the quality of transport
varies across the country, it will set out how government can
support local areas to make all forms of transport work together
better.
The strategy will set out a clear vision for how transport across
England can evolve over the next 10 years so that more places
offer better, more seamless journeys door-to-door – like those
facilitated by the successful Bee Network in Greater Manchester
and Transport for London. The Bee Network brings together bus,
metro and active travel under one name, meaning transport works
together better for people.
The Transport Secretary has looked to Dijon for inspiration,
having visited it earlier this year to see how a city roughly the
size of York, or Chester, is running buses every five minutes in
rush hour, the tram every three and has a dial-a-ride service to
the outlying villages. Dijon has also created a single app that
brings together every mode of transport – from bus to tram, car
hire to bike hire, planning journeys to paying for parking.
The department is also reforming its appraisal system, so that
projects deliver good value for money as well as the right
outcomes – such as more jobs, improved access to education and
healthier communities. These reforms include giving sufficient
weight to transport projects that enhance access to jobs, boost
productivity, and help businesses grow, particularly in less
affluent areas.
To support this, an internal panel of
experts are also reviewing the department's capital spend
portfolio, to drive better economic outcomes in our transport
system.
The Transport Secretary said:
Integrated transport in this country is lagging behind our
European counterparts, and for too long our fragmented transport
networks have stunted economic growth and made it harder for
people to get around.
Today, I'm launching a new national vision of transport that
seamlessly joins all modes of transport together, and puts people
at the heart of our transport system.
I want everyone to be able to contribute to this vision and have
launched a call for ideas on how the strategy can best deliver
greater opportunity, healthier communities and better lives.
Regional roadshows will be hosted around the country to hear more
from local leaders, transport operators and passenger bodies, as
well as taking feedback from the
public, to hear how to best deliver integrated
transport.
, Mayor of West Yorkshire
said:
A better integrated public transport system is vital to growing
our economy.
In West Yorkshire, I have big plans for a world-leading mass
transit system that will be fully integrated with railways and a
publicly controlled bus network, helping people to access new
jobs and opportunities across the region.
The Secretary of State's new Integrated National Transport
Strategy will support me and other mayors to deliver on our
ambition for better-connected and faster growing regions.
The Transport Secretary also emphasised the important of using
data in rural areas, where driving is a more practical choice, to
manage traffic flows to helping drivers easily find, and pay for,
parking spaces. She also outlined her intention to promote
cycling and walking as the best choice for shorter journeys, and
prioritising pavement repairs, safe crossing and cycle
infrastructure where they are needed most.
It is hoped that joining up all forms of transport will
particularly benefit people in those areas that haven't seen the
links they need to get to jobs and services, thereby enhancing
opportunities and driving national economic growth.
To oversee this new vision, the department will be recruiting a
new Integrated Transport Commissioner to help deliver real
change.
