21.09.17
Strategy developed to drive forward rail devolution agenda
A strategy has been set out by urban transport authorities that explains how government and transport bodies should work together to deliver integrated transport networks for passengers.
Publishing its report ‘Policy futures for urban transport’, the Urban Transport Group (UTG) explained that with more focused governance, the city regions are able to deliver major investments programmes across rail and public transport, highways and national policy frameworks.
It also argues for the benefits of transformative technological change to be maximised to include new ways of paying for access to transport, connected and autonomous vehicles, and data and to break down barriers between different sectors – so that the benefits of strong transport modes can be felt in other areas, such as health, employment and education.
The UTG also called for a more long-term approach to local transport funding, along with a more ambitious policy on air quality and renewed momentum behind the rail devolution agenda.
The need for more effective strategic and operational partnerships between the city regions and Network Rail was another measure floated to improve urban transport networks.
“From the expansion of tram and light rail networks to the promotion of active travel and the introduction of smart ticketing, transport is changing for the better in our major urban areas,” said Tobyn Hughes, managing director of Nexus and the chair of the UTG.
“However, we want to go further and faster and this report sets out how. It builds on the expertise of the transport authorities for our largest urban areas and turns that into a route map for what an effective working relationship between government and the city regions should look like on transport.”
Top Image: Alex West
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