Campaign for Better Transport’s Post

Useful reports based on recent findings from Campaign for Better Transport What can be done to improve our transport systems, including prices, accessibility and sustainability?

The new Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, has announced her 5 priorities for the Department for Transport. They include: 1️⃣ improving performance on the railways and driving forward rail reform 2️⃣ improving bus services and growing usage across the country 3️⃣ transforming infrastructure to work for the whole country, promoting social mobility and tackling regional inequality 4️⃣ delivering greener transport 5️⃣ better integrating transport networks Rachel White, Head of Public Affairs at Sustrans, made this statement in response. You can read the Sustrans manifesto for the 2024 election here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/edP7FaTR [Image text reads: “Improving choice and reducing inequality in how we travel is a welcome priority for the new government. We need to make it easier, safer and more accessible to walk, wheel and cycle “This transformation can only happen through integrating transport. We should ensure that walking, wheeling and cycling is fully connected to bus, tram and train networks. “Local leaders know what’s best for their communities. Further devolution of powers and investment will help them deliver better connections, growing local and national economies so people feel the benefit. “We look forward to working with the new government and the Department for Transport to develop a national transport strategy that works for everyone.” ]

In recent weeks, the new Labour government has outlined its ambitious plans for managing the country, emphasising a transformative approach to transportation. New Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has set out five strategic priorities aimed at revolutionising the sector: ▪ Improving performance on the railways and driving forward rail reform ▪ Improving bus services and growing usage across the country ▪ Transforming infrastructure to work for the whole country, promoting social mobility, and tackling regional inequality ▪ Delivering greener transport. ▪ Better integrating transport networks. Crucial to achieving these objectives is the condition of our roads. Safe and well-maintained roads are foundational to a robust transport network. Adam Lilley, general manager, commented: "The new Department for Transport (DfT) motto, “move fast and fix things,” signals a proactive and prompt approach to addressing infrastructure issues. We hope this implies a commitment from the DfT to collaborate with local authorities to ensure roads are repaired properly and sustainably, supporting the overarching goals of improved transport performance, social equity, and environmental sustainability." #RepairNotReplace #Sustainability #Highways

Quite the value proposition! This is why transit is so important for our economy and quality of life.

NEW REPORT: Who gets a good deal? Revealing public attitudes to transport in Great Britain There's clear consensus among public that transport right now isn’t working - and there's appetite for a new approach. Our latest report makes clear why the UK government must stop treating transport as part of a culture war, and instead deliver on people's priorities. Strikingly, people see public transport as a greater necessity than a phone or the internet - and transport usage isn't binary. Most regular drivers are also pedestrians and use buses and trains as well, when they can. They also benefit from safer streets to walk, wheel and cycle on. Read more here - https://lnkd.in/ecdKXqyd Also check out posts by Stephen Frost who's one of the two co-authors

Politics and transport are inextricably linked. In advance of the UK’s looming general election, what are the key professional transport bodies hoping to see? The general consensus from CILT (UK), Transport Planning Society and Community Transport Association's Pre-Election Manifestos are: 💵 The need for long term financial stable commitments: Without long-term funding across the transport sector; from continual investment in buses such as Bus Service Improvement Plans, to active travel, transport planners are limited in their ability to plan and deliver projects that realise places true potential across the UK, along with stunting the transport sector’s ability to meet net-zero targets. 🤔 More local decision-making: There’s been a growing movement of devolution; from establishing sub-national transport bodies, to cities deciding to take back control of their bus networks through franchising. Affording powers to local decision-makers will allow efficient and effective policies that integrate locally with wider plans. 🚌 The untapped potential and importance of public and community transport: Public and community transport plays a fundamental role in hitting net zero emissions, but also ensure transport systems are inclusive. More work is needed to truly create a joint up approach, with simpler fares and ticketing and a transition to low-emission vehicles. Take a deeper dive into our analysis of what the bodies are hoping to see in our recent blog here: https://lnkd.in/eDj6rHNh What do you think should be the top transport priorities of the incoming Government? #UKGeneralElection #transport #investment

To Pay or Not to Pay: The Great Public Transport Debate In our recent survey, we asked: Should public transport be free? The results are in, and 71% of you agree. The idea of free public transport has been gaining momentum, promising easier access, reduced traffic, and a greener future. But there are questions to ponder: What about the cost? Who should foot the bill? How can we make it sustainable? We want to hear your thoughts! Share your views and let's keep the conversation rolling. https://lnkd.in/d4Ph-_nG #DontBlameMe #PositiveChange #BeTheChange #SurveyForImpact #EmpowerYourVoice #ReflectAndLearn #MakeADifference #JoinTheMovement

"How can the transport transition in rural and urban areas succeed together?" Between mid-January and mid-February 2024, 50 citizens from all over Germany will develop recommendations on this question in a citizens' assembly. #CitizensAssembly

💥This article really got me thinking about the injustice of denying people affordable and accessible public transport. It's important to consider how non-motorized public transportation investments can contribute to solving this issue. Let's work towards creating more #Justcities where everyone has equal access to transportation. Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/djeQAuSY

Public transport in the UK: Considerations for continued rehabilitation and future planning for a sector impacted by COVID-19 https://lnkd.in/ejWekjzb Global public transport strategies changed significantly through the pandemic to help restrict the spread of SARS-CoV-2, keep travellers and workers safe and ensure service sustainability. UK Government guidance during phases of lock-down led to greatly reduced usage. By February 2022, most restrictions lifted but the sector was struggling with wider issues including the cost of living crisis, effects of war in Ukraine, industrial action, BREXIT and staff shortages. With public transport stakeholders, we developed policy recommendations to assist the sector with recovery from the pandemic. Priorities included increasing footfall while keeping workers and passengers safe following removal of most COVID-19 restrictions, and contributing to wider agendas of societal interconnectivity, levelling up and climate goals. This paper from theme 3 researchers on the PROTECT NCS, and published in the Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives journal, focusses specifically on the UK, drawing on longitudinal qualitative interviews with experts, organisational representatives (including unions), transport workers and passengers conducted between January 2021 and September 2022.