PRESS RELEASE

Rail and urban transport report welcomed

Transport Action Network (TAN) [1] is welcoming the publication yesterday of the Rail and urban transport review, led by Juergen Maier CBE [2]. The review was commissioned by Labour when in opposition, to help the UK deliver the rail and urban transport infrastructure for the next 50 years.

Chris Todd, Director of TAN said:

“The report paints a compelling case for modal shift and for better, greener and fairer transport networks that drive growth and decarbonisation. They would enable UK cities once again to be competitive on the world stage and not languish in the doldrums when it comes to productivity.

“We especially welcome the call for a bold national vision for transport combined with challenging targets to drive modal shift and boost decarbonisation. These will be needed if Labour is to deliver the change so many people aspire to.”

The report covers a number of issues such as the lack of an overarching transport strategy, the speed and cost of delivery, the need for greater devolution and greater integration between transport and planning, and planning reform.

It recognises that public transport and active travel are central to the challenge of driving economic growth, social inclusion and decarbonisation across the whole country. It recommends that the government sets:

• an ambitious goal for journeys made by public transport, walking and cycling by 2035, with regular and transparent reviews and progress updates
• an ambitious goal to double the mode share of rail in a decade
• goals around a modal shift from roads to public transport, to increase decarbonisation and reduce congestion, improving productivity, as well as social and health outcomes
• a bold national vision for transport and an integrated Transport Strategy for England

TAN’s only note of caution is around planning reform. While accepting reform is necessary, it must be done in a way that prioritises sustainable infrastructure, with a presumption against, and increased scrutiny of, unaffordable or damaging road schemes. TAN believes that only those schemes which genuinely deliver modal shift and accelerate decarbonisation should be fast-tracked.

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Notes to editors:

[1] TAN was set up five years ago by director Chris Todd to help communities press for better (and more sustainable) transport. It supports more investment in bus and rail services and active travel. To enable this and better roads maintenance (fewer potholes) it continues to oppose the previous government’s damaging roads programme. It also supports better integration between transport and planning.

[2] The Rail and urban transport review: An assessment and ambition for a new government, was commissioned by the Labour Party whilst in opposition. It was led by Juergen Maier CBE and published on 21 August, 2024 by the Urban Transport Group.