With finite funds available, how do we provide a sustainable public transport network to compete with the car?

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People need to get to jobs, education, healthcare and civic amenities in safe and sustainable ways – and effective and attractive public transport is the key enabler. In many EU countries this is factored into policy, with public transport elevated in societal importance and funding provided accordingly

In the UK, however, public transport scheme providers are required to demonstrate value for money, and to properly demonstrate the incredible social value offered by well designed and intergrated schemes we need to be better able to capture and communicate just how much value public transport delivers to UK plc.

Better capturing and communicating the real value of public transport schemes is a critical step in making funding and investment business cases. Properly recognising the enormous social costs arising from vehicle use - pollution, congestion and accidents – is also key.

New funding for public transport can be sourced in a variety of ways, with the support and input from all levels of local and national government remaining crucial. Managing budgets and ensuring users are not deterred from the services forms an important part of the considerations, and the debate.

As for the networks themselves: to truly compete with the private car, public transport systems need to be planned and delivered as connected and integrated networks rather than 'mode by mode' offers that too often compete instead of complement. 

Agenda 

Chair: Cathryn Jones, Director, Systra

How much do we need to spend to get a public transport system that meets the climate emergency and provides multiple social and economic benefits?
Lisa Hopkinson, Director, Transport for Quality of Life 

Reversing a self-fulfilling assumption – making public transport the norm
Roger Geffen, Campaigner, Low Traffic Futures

Improving public transport scheme benefits through social value enhancements
Ian Bruce, Associate Director, Systra

New funding models for transport Possible alternative public transport funding models
David Leeder, Director and Managing Partner TIL

Window of opportunity

The new Government has set ambitious plans to reform the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and to introduce a vision-led approach to transport planning, challenging outdated assumptions of automatic traffic growth and a reactive tendency to support growth and development with road-building and highway improvements. This reset presents a rare opportunity to reshape the future of transport planning.

A successful multimodal strategy will focus not only on creating viable networks, but will include key mobility management strategies such as pricing reforms, positive parking policy, land use development impacts and community livability.

This webinar will explore the kind of shift in organisational culture across both government and industry necessary to recognise the true vale of public transport and the actual costs of increased road building and vehicle use, and will outline what needs to de done to make public transport more attractive and accessible to more people.

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Developing integrated public transport systems: a three-part series of webinars

In order to truly compete with the private car, public transport systems need to be planned and delivered as connected and integrated networks rather than 'mode by mode' offers that too often compete instead of complement.

A successful multimodal strategy will focus not only on on creating viable networks, but will include key mobility management strategies such as pricing reforms, parking, land use development impacts and community livability.

This three-part series of webinars will highlight the key elements of the multi-modal strategy that the UK should work towards. How do we integrate a series of modal layers that provides a seamless, convenient and attractive overall system for all? Expert speakers will consider the full system evolution including planning, funding, delivery and operation.

Webinar 1: Building a successful public transport networks: see the recording here
What are the key elements for a successful public transport network – and why are they seemingly so difficult to deliver in the UK?

Webinar 2:  Public transport as an enabler for growth: see the recording here

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