UK chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves has announced a series of transport and infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving urban mobility, regional connectivity and economic growth.
Speaking at Siemens Healthineers in Oxfordshire, Reeves outlined the UK government’s modern industrial strategy, which includes investment in rail networks, public transport, planning reforms, and sustainable mobility solutions.
The measures are expected to accelerate transport projects, improve connectivity, and support economic growth.
Among the key projects highlighted was the Transpennine Route Upgrade, a multi-billion-pound programme to enhance rail links between Manchester, Leeds, Huddersfield and York through electrification, digital signalling, and capacity upgrades.
The government is also electrifying the Wigan-Bolton rail line to cut journey times and lower emissions, alongside station upgrades at Bradford Forster Square.
Reeves also confirmed plans to deliver a new mass transit system in West Yorkshire, improving public transport access in Leeds and surrounding areas.
Furthermore, the government has introduced a Planning and Infrastructure Bill to streamline approval processes for transport projects.
“We have delivered the most significant reforms to our planning system in a generation,” Reeves said.
A key change will prioritise development around train stations, shifting the default planning decision from “no” to “yes” to support transport-led regeneration.
“New transport infrastructure can act as a catalyst for new housing,” Reeves added, citing Stockport’s redevelopment as a model.
The government is reviewing airport expansion and regional connectivity to strengthen mobility.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander will soon decide on expansion proposals for Gatwick and Luton airports, while the government will support Doncaster Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire in reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
A significant focus is the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, where the government will fund East-West Rail, linking Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge, alongside road upgrades to improve access.
“This area has the potential to be Europe’s Silicon Valley,” Reeves said, highlighting plans for new housing and commercial space along the route.
As part of efforts to decarbonise transport, the government has committed £65m to Connected Kerb to expand the public EV charging network.
The funding, from the National Wealth Fund (£55m) and Aviva Investors (£10m), will increase Connected Kerb’s charge points to 40,000 by 2030, up from 9,000 at the end of 2024.
“To get to net zero, we need to make it as easy as possible for people to change the way they do things,” said John Flint, CEO of the National Wealth Fund.
“Providing convenient and reliable on-street charging is key to helping those without driveways make the switch to electric vehicles.”
Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood described the investment as a “great vote of confidence in the EV transition”, highlighting £6bn in private sector investment expected by 2030.
Achievements and innovations in urban mobility 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!
