Shortly before leaving the role, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh revealed a new ‘people-first’ approach to transport in a speech to Metro Mayors, Council leaders and transport bodies in Leeds aiming to join up transport networks, empower local leaders and drive economic growth
Former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh set out her vision for a more joined up and locally-led transport system across England in a speech to Mayors and transport professionals at Leeds Civic Hall. The former Minister outlined new Government plans for a new Integrated National Transport Strategy, the first in a quarter of a century, which she said will set out a ‘people-first approach’ to transport matters. Recognising that different passengers have different needs, and the quality of transport varies across the country, the former Minister said the plan will set out how Government can support local areas to make all forms of transport work together better.
The Strategy will set out a clear vision for how transport across England can evolve over the next 10 years so that more places offer better, more seamless journeys door-to-door, citing the Bee Network in Greater Manchester and Transport for London as yardsticks for integration and improvement.
The Transport Secretary also looked to the French city of Dijon for inspiration, having visited it earlier this year to see how a city roughly the size of York or Chester is running buses every five minutes in rush hour, a tram every three minutes and operating a dial-a-ride service to the outlying villages. Dijon has also created a single app that brings together every mode of transport, including bus, tram, car and bike hire, as well as journey planning and paying for parking.
The Department is also reforming its appraisal system, with the aim that projects deliver good value for money as well as the right outcomes. The reforms include giving sufficient weight to transport projects that enhance access to jobs, boost productivity, and help businesses grow, particularly in less affluent areas.
Ms 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. Today 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.
“I want everyone to be able to contribute to this vision and have launched a call for ideas on how the strategy can best deliver greater opportunity, healthier communities and better lives.”
Regional roadshows will be hosted around the country to hear more from local leaders, transport operators and passenger bodies, and the Government will be seeking feedback from the public via its gov.uk website, to hear how to best deliver integrated transport.
Responding to the speech in Leeds, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy 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. The Secretary of State’s new Integrated National Transport Strategy will support me and other mayors to deliver on our ambition for better-connected and faster growing regions.”
The now former Transport Secretary also emphasised the important of using data in rural areas, where driving is a more practical choice, to manage traffic flows to helping drivers easily find, and pay for, parking spaces. She also outlined the intention to promote cycling and walking as the best choice for shorter journeys, and prioritising pavement repairs, safe crossing and cycle infrastructure where they are needed most.
To oversee the new vision, the Department for Transport will be recruiting a new Integrated Transport Commissioner.
