The local transport minister Simon Lightwood has visited Manchester to launch 11 regional roadshows, the visit enabling passengers, businesses and local leaders to have their say on how to transform transport.
Starting in Newcastle and ending in Milton Keynes, the roadshows, which involve a series of roundtables and discussions, that will gather insights from councils, businesses and communities to shape a 10-year strategy for integrated journeys.
The UK government reports that this could take the form of implementing traffic management technology, coordinated bus and train timetables – so passengers do not have to wait for 20 minutes for the next transport mode to arrive, and parking options all in one app.
The government is also encouraging the public to respond to the Integrated National Transport Strategy call for ideas, which closes on 20 February 2025 to hear suggestions directly from transport users across the country.
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The regional transport roadshows will stop at Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, Ipswich, Bristol, Brighton, London, Cornwall and Milton Keynes in February and March 2025.
Ideas gathered at the roadshows will shape the final strategy, which will be published this year.
The government will be listening to ideas on how the strategy can support better integrated public transport, and improve transport in rural areas.
It will also consider how cycling and walking can become the best choice for shorter journeys, through prioritising pavement repairs, safe crossings and cycle infrastructure.
Local transport minister Simon Lightwood said: “We’ve all had the frustration of our train arriving 10 minutes too late for our connecting bus service.
“We want more people across England to benefit from more integrated transport that makes day-to-day journeys easier – from coordinated timetables and easy route planning to tap in, tap out payments.
“We will empower local leaders to build a system that’s right for their needs, connecting cars and buses, trams and trains and cycling and walking, into one joined-up system.
“To kick off this process, we’re listening to local leaders across the country to hear how we can best create a new national transport vision that connects all modes of transport, prioritises people at its core and helps deliver our Plan for Change to improve the economy.”
Achievements and innovations in public transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
