The Urban Transport Group has published its Rail and urban transport review, which sets high ambitions for government on transport delivery.
The rail and urban transport review: an assessment and ambition for a new government, produced by Arup for the Urban Transport Group, was commissioned by the Labour Party in December 2023 when it was in opposition.
The group's chair, Juergen Maier, is now also chair of Great British Energy, the proposed publicly-owned energy company which the new government wants to use to improve energy security and accelerate the transition to net zero.
In a statement announcing the review, the Urban Transport Group said the review sets out “a bold vision and plan for the future of the UK's rail and urban transport infrastructure, emphasising the need for a paradigm shift to create a more connected, affordable, and high-capacity transport network.”
The review calls for a series of major policy shifts in transport policy to improve the country’s ageing rail and road network, including for the government to publish a Transport Strategy for England (TSE). The new transport secretary Louise Haigh has given her support to the recommendations.
Five recommendations were set out: long-term thinking, sped-up delivery, new public-private partnerships, a national transport strategy, and centring the voices of transport users and workers in transport planning.
The review calls for 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 10 years.
A set of proposals were made around accelerating greener, faster and cheaper transport which the review said would reduce “project delivery costs by 20% and timelines by 25%” and said English devolution could catalyse growth.
The roles of the public and private sectors have long been debated in English transport policy, with Network Rail due to be replaced by Great British Railways. The review recommended “developing an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate public-private partnerships,” and said, “this should be supported by HM Treasury to develop a new approach to private finance.”
The review calls for reforms to planning processes and an enhanced role for local authorities to enable the deployment of “a clear, long-term national transport strategy aligned with the UK's industrial strategy and housing delivery.”
The new government has already made clear it intends to side with developers of nationally important infrastructure projects, over local opposition.
Transport users and workers voices should be “at the heart of transport plans” and the review said there should be “greater involvement of trade unions and underrepresented groups to ensure inclusive and effective infrastructure development.”
Rail and Urban Transport Review chair Juergen Maier said: “This is a pivotal moment for the UK's transport sector. We have a unique opportunity to reshape our transport infrastructure to be greener, more inclusive, and future ready.
“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.”
Transport secretary Louise Haigh said: “14 years of Conservative government left the public sick and tired of broken promises on transport infrastructure.
“This independent expert-led review provides a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities we face in delivering transport infrastructure in Britain and will help inform this new government’s thinking.
“We are clear that we will deliver value for the taxpayer while turbocharging the delivery of transport projects. That’s how you grow the economy in every corner of the country and deliver the transport network that modern Britain needs.”
Arup director and global rail leader Tai Chong Chew said: “The conclusion of this review provides an opportunity to showcase the importance of public-private collaboration in accelerating the delivery of improved connectivity and growth.
“Transformative approaches such as ‘Greener, Faster, Cheaper’ will ensure infrastructure projects are delivered on time and within budget, while also enabling a greener and more prosperous UK.
“Only a relentless commitment to this goal will make certain the changes necessary to bring infrastructure delivery into the 21st Century.”
Urban Transport Group director Jason Prince said: “Good urban transport plays a vital part in creating a stronger, greener, and fairer economy.
“This review – which received more than 100 evidence submissions – and its final recommendations, are a testament to the collective will and ambition of the sector to deliver better transport services for passengers on our railways and in our urban areas.
“We look forward to working with government to realise our shared ambitions.”
Civil engineers optimistic about review's recommendations
Civil Engineering Contractors Association (Ceca) chief executive Alasdair Reisner said: “Industry will welcome the publication of Jurgen Maier’s review as a positive step towards resetting transport infrastructure policy and enabling it to fulfil its potential as a driver of economic growth in all parts of the country.
“Ceca submitted evidence to the review on behalf of our members, and we are particularly pleased to read its lead recommendation of a long-term vision for transport infrastructure, which was one of our asks to all parties going into the general election.
“The review’s recommendation that as well as implementing a bold, long-term vision for transport, the UK’s medium-term objective should be to roll out an Integrated Transport Strategy for England (TSE) with a framework for cross-border links to Scotland and Wales, is one that we look forward to working with government to realise.
“Moreover, the clear finding of this report is that the UK’s transport system holds vast potential for enabling us to boost the economy, increase decarbonisation, and improve productivity – potential outcomes that will lead to improved social and health benefits for us all.
“We hope the government will take on board the findings of this extremely timely review and look forward to working with the UK Government and devolved administrations to deliver on its vision through the delivery of world-class transport infrastructure in the coming years.”
Association for Consultancy and Engineering and Environmental Industries Commission interim policy director Laura Wright said: “Following our engagement in the report consultation, we are pleased to see that our members' key asks for facilitating stability and growth of the UK’s transport infrastructure sector are reflected in this final report.
“Stability and growth rely on a national strategy and clear pipeline of works for investment. We welcome this call for commitment to this end. A clear pipeline will give the certainty and opportunity needed for our members to support government with innovation and investment.
“We also welcome the report’s commitment to harness public-private partnerships to leverage private sector funding expertise and we will continue our dialogue with government on this important topic."
“As the report recommendations will not only be delivered at a national level, we are pleased to see that the importance of both local government and community stakeholders, in scoping and delivering connectivity, is recognised.
“Transport is crucial to thriving communities and inclusive dialogue with our consultancy and engineering members as well as other key stakeholders and residents is essential. We look forward to continuing to implement our part in this engagement process.”
Potential incoming transport committee chair to work with government implementation
Fabian Hamilton is a Labour MP who was a member of the transport select committee in the previous parliament and has declared he is running for chair of the committee. The election of the chair is due to take place on 12 September.
Hamilton said: “The recommendations of this report are welcome and point to the urgent need for reform of our entire transport network in order to boost economic growth, develop good jobs and reduce emissions.
“Connectivity outside London has long been ignored and it’s exciting to see the new government taking it seriously. With this government, we have a long-term strategy for transport, not just sticking plasters.
“It’s particularly welcome that walking and cycling are mentioned in the recommendations, given that the previous government scrapped the budget for a mode of transport which is vital for our mental and physical health as well as tackling climate change.
“If elected as chair of the transport select committee next month, I look forward to working with the government to implement these important recommendations.”
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