The government has unveiled a new ‘mass transit taskforce’, which the Department for Transport says is intended to ‘tackle barriers to delivery of mass transit systems across the UK, supporting economic growth, jobs and new homes’. New schemes could include buses, light rail and trams.
The taskforce is being led by chair Bridget Rosewll CBE, and its members include Jason Prince, the director of the Urban Transport Group, which will also provide administrative support for the taskforce.
The DfT points out that ‘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’.
Further powers may also be devolved to mayors, allowing them to make decisions about new schemes.
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.’
Evidence is already being gathered by the taskforce, which is expected to make its first recommendations in six months from now.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: ‘Liverpool was the birthplace of the world’s first intercity passenger railway, so we know better than most how transformative great transport can be – not just for how people get around, but for jobs, investment and opportunity too.
‘That’s why I’ve pledged to get a rapid transit system up and running in the Liverpool City Region before Euro 2028, starting with bus rapid transit to better connect our communities and make it quicker and easier for people to get to work, education and the opportunities they deserve.
‘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.’
It is only a few weeks since doubt was cast on the prospects for trams in Leeds and Bradford. A review of the scheme was leaked in early April, which concluded that buses could be cheaper.
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