Government launches mass transit taskforce to support urban transport expansion

The Government has announced the creation of a new taskforce aimed at accelerating the development of mass transit systems across towns and cities in England, as ministers seek to link transport investment more closely with economic growth and housing development.

image: TfGM

The Mass Transit Taskforce, announced by the Department for Transport, will examine barriers to delivering large-scale public transport projects and recommend ways to speed up planning, funding and delivery of systems such as trams, light rail and rapid bus networks.

Working independently, and led by Chair Bridget Rosewell CBE, the taskforce will draw on best practice from across the world to make recommendations on how mass transit systems can be delivered more quickly and efficiently.

Confirmed members of the taskforce include:

• David Milner, Managing Director of Create Streets

• Richard De Cani, Chief Officer for Global Business and Markets at Arup

• Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group

Further details, including its full membership and immediate next steps, will be announced in due course. The Urban Transport Group will provide the secretariat for the taskforce.

Currently, factors like planning processes, fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land get in the way of delivering these systems, and the taskforce will seek to overcome these by identifying practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, and making targeted recommendations to government.

To go alongside this, the government is also announcing that it will consult on measures to devolve additional powers to mayors, allowing them to have final say over decisions related to public transport – including mass transit.

Known as Transport and Works Act orders (TWAOs), the devolution of these powers will ensure local leaders have more tools to deliver local transport, which meets the needs of local people.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said, “Mass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country. Creating a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing.

“That’s why I am delighted to announce the formation of the Mass Transit Taskforce, which will use its skills and vast knowledge to deliver real and practical recommendations to shape the future of urban transport for years to come.

“Meanwhile, we’re putting power in local hands, empowering mayors to deliver mass transit in their towns and cities so they can make decisions for the communities they know best.”

The work of the Mass Transit Taskforce is already underway, with evidence already being gathered ahead of its first recommendations in six months.

Bridget Rosewell CBE said, “Integrated mass transit systems can transform how people move around our towns and cities, connecting communities with jobs, homes and opportunity.

“I am pleased to chair this taskforce as it looks closely at the barriers to delivery and provides practical recommendations to government and local leaders on how to turn ambition into reality.”

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said, “We have ambitious plans for our region, and a mass transit system is a key part of that – by improving connections and boosting growth. But we all know that there are too many blockers to delivering mass transit schemes in this country, so I welcome this taskforce and support any measures that will bring about real change. Local leaders know their areas best – putting more powers in our hands will allow us to deliver on the change we know our communities want and deserve.”

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said, “Just weeks ago, the historic Devolution Act empowered mayors with more levers to make things happen for our areas. Today, it’s brilliant to see even more powers being moved out of Westminster so that we can do more, faster.”

Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said, “For too long, big transport projects outside London have felt harder than they need to be. So it’s really encouraging to see government taking practical steps to help unblock delivery and put more power in the hands of local leaders. That’s how we turn plans on paper into spades in the ground.”