Transport Secretary launches Integrated National Transport Strategy and call for ideas

The new transport strategy aims to join up transport networks, empower local leaders and drive economic growth – and will also look at reforming the appraisal system

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has set out her vision for a more joined up and locally-led transport across England. 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.

To help the DfT create the strategy, it has launched a Call for Ideas, which asking people about their experience of transport in England and what can be done to make it better. 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.

The closing date is 30 January 2025.

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."

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.

Responding to the new vision, Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), said: “The Transport Secretary’s vision for an integrated transport network is much needed, if we are to provide better journeys for the travelling public, decarbonise our 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. 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."

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An internal panel of experts will consider both the appraisal system and review the department’s capital spend portfolio, to drive better economic outcomes in our transport system.

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.

Campaign for Better Transport is urging the Government to prioritise trams and light rail in the Integrated Transport Strategy, and to do more to help speed up the introduction of new tram networks to British towns and cities.

Michael Solomon Williams, from Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Trams work. Wherever they have been introduced, they have proved popular with the public, had a positive effect on local businesses and complemented other transport modes. As European cities are showing, they are a holistic solution which can address congestion, reduce social isolation and revive hollowed-out high streets across the country."