Transport Secretary unveils her vision for integrated transport across England

The Government has set out a new vision for a more joined up and locally led transport across England.

A new Integrated National Transport Strategy, the first in a quarter of a century - 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 ten 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 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 minutes 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 is 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 for 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 strategy can best deliver greater opportunity, healthier communities and better lives." 

To help Government create the strategy, they are now asking people about their experience of transport in England, and what we could do to make it better.

They want to hear from:

•    People who use any form of transport, including cars, vans, motorbikes, mopeds, trains, underground, metro, trams, buses, minibuses, coaches, bikes, e-bikes, walking or wheeling

•    Frontline transport workers – people who work in the transport industry

•    Companies and organisations that operate in the transport sector

Click here to provide your insight and ideas to the Integrated National Transport strategy.

Regional roadshows will also 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 best to deliver integrated transport.

Tracy Babin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: "A better integrated 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 importance of using data in rural areas, where driving is a more practical choice, to manage traffic flows and help 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 infrastructures 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. 

CTA Director for England, Caroline Whitney said: "In the vision presented today there is a clear role for community transport operators within an integrated system that is designed to enable choice for people. 

"Danny Williams, Lead for the Integrated Transport Strategy, shared with us that there will be a range of opportunities for CTA and its members to share their views on the strategy as it develops.  There will be a series of Regional events delivered in early 2025 and we recommend our members engage and attend those for their regions.  

"Along side this CTA will be engaged with DfT in the development of the strategy representing the sector and ensuring that we create and shape opportunities for the sector to be at the heart of a national integrated strategy for England."

Organisations can respond now to the call for ideas. CTA recommends organisations respond to this call out individually and share their views on what a good integrated transport system looks like. It is important that DfT hear directly from members as well as the combined CTA voice.

Click here to provide your insight and ideas to the Integrated National Transport strategy.

CTA will continue to share information as the strategy development moves forward and is hopeful this work will continue while a new Transport Secretary is being considered.