UK: The Urban Transport Group network of city transport authorities has set out its three priorities for the new Prime Minister.
These are:
- securing the future of affordable local public transport networks through a long-term revenue settlement which is simplified, enhanced and devolved;
- work with the city regions on the introduction of a ‘London-style ticketing experience’ as soon as possible;
- give city regions greater powers over local bus services, heavy rail networks and new forms of transport like e-scooters.
UTG director Jonathan Bray said ’the last government rightly stood by public transport during the pandemic. But with Covid restrictions behind us and high inflation in front of us, the new government needs to put public transport outside London on an even keel through a long-term enhanced, simplified and devolved funding settlement. This will allow us to provide the affordable public transport networks that our communities will rely on in the challenging times ahead.’
UTG represents the transport authorities in Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, London, South Yorkshire, Tyne & Wear, West Midlands and West Yorkshire, with associate members in Strathclyde, the West of England, Tees Valley, Nottingham, Northern Ireland, Wales and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.
