Transport secretary launches new strategy aimed at joining up England’s transport networks and invites others to contribute to her vision

 
Haigh cited Greater Manchester’s Bee Network as a domestic integrated transport leader

 
On the day before she resigned as transport secretary, Louise Haigh set out her vision for joined-up transport networks led by empowered local leaders and invited others to contribute to her new Integrated National Transport Strategy for England.

Haigh’s speech to mayors and transport bosses at Leeds Civic Hall on Thursday outlined her vision for a new Integrated National Transport Strategy. She said a “people first approach” was required, recognising that different passengers have different travel needs, and the quality of transport varies across the country.

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.

Haigh cited Greater Manchester’s Bee Network and Transport for London as domestic integrated transport leaders, but she has also looked to Dijon for inspiration. During a visit earlier this year, Haigh saw how a city roughly the size of York runs buses every five minutes in rush hour, trams every three and has a dial-a-ride service to the outlying villages. The city also has a single app that brings together every mode of transport – from bus to tram, car hire to bike hire, planning journeys to paying for parking.

Integrated transport in this country is lagging behind our European counterparts

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.”

Regional roadshows will be held to hear more from local leaders, transport operators, and passenger bodies and gather feedback from the public on how best to deliver integrated transport. 

 
This article appears in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

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