Independent rail and urban transport review secures government’s ear
A new report from the Urban Transport Group (UTG), commissioned last year by the Labour Party when it was in opposition, concludes we are at a pivotal moment for the UK’s transport sector and have a unique opportunity to reshape transport infrastructure to be greener, more inclusive, and future-ready.
The independent Rail and Urban Transport Review, chaired by former Siemens UK boss and Northern Powerhouse Partnership chair Juergen Maier, calls for the government to “urgently” set out a “bold long-term vision and ambition for transport infrastructure”.
Review chair Maier said, “Our recommendations provide a clear roadmap for the new government to seize this moment and drive significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. Until now, the ‘chop and change’ approach to transport policy has created significant ambiguity in the sector, raised costs, and held back investment. We must set the UK on a new course.”
Responding to the report, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said 14 years of Conservative government had left the public “sick and tired of broken promises” on transport infrastructure and said the report would “help inform this new government’s thinking”.
The Review calls for:
Establishing an ambitious transport infrastructure plan to ensure a greener, more inclusive, and efficient UK transport network – fit not just for the next five years, but the next 50. This should start with the creation of a Transport Strategy for England (TSE), encompassing skills, land use and housing objectives to align with regional and local strategies.
Implementing a transformative framework to reduce project delivery costs by 20% and timelines by 25%.
Developing an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate and leverage private investment for substantial improvements.
Ensuring the voices of transport users and the workforce are central to future transport plans, driving social inclusion and local growth.
The findings have been distilled into five themes to identify how transport can better meet the needs of our economy, society and environment. This is alongside a set of policy recommendations and include:
A Bold Long-term Vision and Ambition for Transport Infrastructure: An ambitious national transport strategy to increase journeys by public transport, walking, and cycling by 2035, and to double the mode share of rail within a decade.
Accelerating Delivery of Transport Infrastructure Across the Nation: Proposing a "Greener, Faster, Cheaper" framework, the review suggests reducing project delivery costs by 20% and timelines by 25%. Catalysing growth by building on the progress of English devolution.
Harnessing the Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships: Recognising the essential role of private investment, the review recommends developing an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate public-private partnerships. This should be supported by a HM Treasury to develop a new approach to private finance.
Getting the Structure Right for Delivery Now and in the Future: A clear, long-term national transport strategy aligned with the UK's industrial strategy and housing delivery. This includes reforms to planning processes and enhancing the role of local authorities in delivering transport infrastructure.
The Voice of Britain’s Transport Users and Workforce at the Heart of Transport Plans: Emphasising the importance of user and workforce engagement, the review calls for greater involvement of trade unions and underrepresented groups to ensure inclusive and effective infrastructure development.
Industry figures have responded positively to the report. Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), said, “We commend the policy recommendations set out in the Rail and Urban Transport Review, particularly the call for cross-sectoral Transport Strategy for England (TSE) and proposals for a long-term strategy to fund asset maintenance and renewal in urban areas that harnesses advances in technology.
“Transport is often considered in siloes between modes, including across rail, road, active travel and more. But, the travelling public do not look at our transport system like that – they simply care that their journeys are efficient, safe, accessible, cost-effective and green. So, it is positive to see this report call for a Strategy that will bring modes together and look holistically at our transport network.”
Leeds-based Urban Transport Group provided secretariat support for the Review with technical input from Arup. The Review expert panel included Allan Cook CBE (former Chairman of HS2; Member of JF Lehman Advisory Board; Chair of Herriot Watt Strategy Board - CEng; Chair of Material Innovation Leadership Group), Emma Porter (Managing Director of Story Plant Limited), Laurent Troger (former CEO of Bombardier Transportation, strategic advisor in public transportation), Nicola Smith (Head of Economics at the Trade Union Congress), Will Wilson (former leader of rolling stock manufacturer and long-standing industry expert), Tai Chong Chew (International Infrastructure Expert), Bob Morris (urban transport industry expert), Henri Murison (Chief Executive, Northern Powerhouse Partnership), and Anne Shaw OBE (Transport Executive Director and urban transport industry expert).