‘We have a unique opportunity to reshape our transport infrastructure,’ says chair of review commissioned by the party in opposition in December
The review calls for an ambitious transport infrastructure plan to ensure a greener, more inclusive, and efficient UK transport network
A report commissioned by the Labour party while in opposition in December 2023 has called for a paradigm shift to create a more connected, affordable, and high-capacity transport network.
Published last month, the Rail and Urban Transport Review provides recommendations on how to accelerate the huge benefits that rail and urban transport infrastructure unlocks.
Chaired by former Siemens CEO Juergen Maier and guided by industry experts, the review calls for an ambitious transport infrastructure plan to ensure a greener, more inclusive, and efficient UK transport network – fit not just for the next five years, but the next 50. It also urges the development of an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate and leverage private investment.
“This is a pivotal moment for the UK’s transport sector,” said Maier. “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.”
[This review] will help inform this new government’s thinking
Transport secretary Louise Haigh commented: “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.”
Haigh continued: “We are clear that we will deliver value for the taxpayer while turbocharging 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.”
Jason Prince, director of the Urban Transport Group, commented: “Good urban transport plays a vital part in creating a stronger, greener, and fairer economy.
We are clear that we will deliver value for the taxpayer while turbocharging delivery of transport projects
“This review – which received more than 100 evidence submissions – and its final recommendations, are 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.”
The expert panel included Allan Cook (former chair of HS2;), Emma Porter (MD of Story Plant Limited), Laurent Troger (former CEO of Bombardier Transportation), Nicola Smith (head of economics at the Trades Union Congress), Will Wilson (former leader of rolling stock manufacturer Siemens), Tai Chong Chew (director and global rail leader, Arup), Bob Morris (urban transport industry expert), Henri Murison (chief executive, Northern Powerhouse Partnership), and Anne Shaw (transport executive director and urban transport industry expert).
Key policy recommendations
Establishing an ambitious transport infrastructure plan to ensure a greener, more inclusive, and efficient UK transport network.
The creation of a Transport Strategy for England, encompassing skills, land use and housing objectives to align with regional and local strategies.
Reduce project delivery costsby 20% and timelines by 25%.
Developing an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate and leverage private investment for substantial improvements.
Ensuring the voices of transport users and the workforce are central.
This article appears in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.
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The post Will this be Labour’s blueprint for transport? first appeared on Passenger Transport.