The new, locally led and people-first transport strategy aims to join up transport networks as well as empower local leaders and drive economic growth.
The UK Government has set a vision for a more joined up, locally led and people-first transport across England. It said it recognises that different passengers have different needs, and the quality of transport varies across the country and wants to support local areas to make all forms of transport work together better.
The strategy sets 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.
Integrated transport system
The Department for Transport 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 government also highlighted the importance 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. It also outlined its 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.
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 on Gov.uk, to hear how to best deliver integrated transport. To oversee this new vision, the department will be recruiting a new integrated transport commissioner to help deliver the change.
Regional leaders and industry organisations have welcomed the vision for a more integrated approach to transport.
“A better integrated public transport system is vital to growing our economy,” said Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire. “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.”
James Lancaster, chair of the Urban Mobility Partnership, said the organisation looked forward to working constructively with the Government to deliver an integrated transport strategy that encourages the use of multimodal solutions for all journeys – prioritising the right modes for the right journeys for the right consumer. “We strongly support the Government’s commitment to empowering local authorities and regions to shape their transport futures, recognising that local leaders are best placed to address their unique challenges and opportunities,” he said.
“With this in mind, UMP is proud of its work with local leaders in recent years and eager to continue this engagement with authorities across the UK as they work to implement comprehensive, multimodal transport solutions. A well-designed, efficient, and accessible transport system will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth by better linking people to workplaces, schools, shops, and social spaces.”
Tim Burns, head of policy at active travel charity Sustrans, said the need for an integrated transport strategy that works for everyone was “front and centre” among its election manifesto asks of the new government. “Walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport have to work hand in hand to deliver a people first approach that improves our health and the environment, provides access to jobs and education, and makes our neighbourhoods better places to live.
“We now need to see the vision turned into reality, through a strategy that puts more resources into giving people greater choice in how they access the things they need to live well. We’ll look forward to working with the government to make this happen.”
Max Sugarman, chief executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), the voice of the transport technology industry, described the vision as “much needed’’, if we are to provide better journeys for the travelling public as well as decarbonise the transport system and spur economic growth.
“Technology will be essential in acting as the ‘glue’ between rail, road, bus, active travel and other forms of transport, to create one, joined-up network for the public,’’ he said. “There are huge benefits to be gained through improving traffic flows, creating platforms to allow easier bookings across public transport, the provision of more on-demand services or enabling data to be shared across transport authorities, to name but a few.
“All of these will require government and regional authorities to work with the transport technology sector to be delivered effectively. ITS UK, on behalf of the sector, looks forward to inputting into that strategy as it is developed.’’
---
Quelle/Source: Smart Cities World, 02.12.2024
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
