As one on her last acts as Transport Secretary, before her resignation over a previous criminal offence, Louise Haigh launched the beginning of an integrated National Transport Strategy which it is hoped will kick-start a revolution in local transport networks.
Haigh was speaking at Leeds Civic Hall - the largest city in Europe without a mass transit system where she outlined how the new strategy will provide a “clear vision” for local authorities in England as well as providing a blueprint for developing a more seamless experience for passengers.
Haigh has taken inspiration from the French city of Dijon which has a fully integrated transport system as well as utilising technology to enhance the passenger experience and improve efficiency.
Haigh said: “Integrated transport in this country is lagging behind our European counterparts, and for too long our fragmented transport networks have stunted economic growth and made it harder for people to get around.
I’m launching a new national vision of transport that seamlessly joins all modes of transport together and puts people at the heart of our transport system.”
The new strategy will also overhaul how projects are evaluated within Government, with a new emphasis on how a transport project can enhance an area’s productivity and growth. An internal panel will review the current Whitehall appraisal system and provide recommendations.
It was also announced that the Department for Transport will be recruiting a new Integrated Transport Commissioner to help deliver the strategy across the country.
The news has been met with broad support from the industry as well as passenger groups.
Alex Robertson, Chief Executive at the independent watchdog, Transport Focus said:
“Over twenty years ago I was at Transport for London when the Mayor’s first Transport Strategy was created. It linked transport with economic development, social inclusion and environmental objectives in a way that made a real difference to how decisions were made in the capital.
“It’s fantastic to see the ambition to do this now at a national level. This won’t be easy – the challenges and context vary considerably across the country – but the benefits are potentially huge.”
The mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracey Brabin was also at the launch event. Commenting on the launch, Brabin said: “A better integrated public transport system is vital to growing our economy.
In West Yorkshire, I have big plans for a world-leading mass transit system that will be fully integrated with railways and a publicly controlled bus network, helping people to access new jobs and opportunities across the region.”
Railway Industry Association (RIA) Chief Executive Darren Caplan, said: “The Railway Industry Association (RIA) supports the Government’s ambition to create a unified national vision for both the users and providers of transport services in the UK.
“Rail suppliers will play an important role in helping organisations like Network Rail and Transport for London, and Great British Railways when it is set up, deliver a better performing and more reliable service for customers, whether passengers or freight.”
A series of roadshows will now be conducted across the country to garner feedback on the proposals.
Haigh launched the proposals hours before being forced to resign. It was revealed that Haigh had plead guilty to a criminal offence related to incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013.
Comment as guest
Comments
No comments have been made yet.