What’s inside the latest edition of Passenger Transport:
LEAD STORY
‘Progress cannot be passive – It must be intentional’
Ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, campaigners for greater diversity and inclusion in the UK’s passenger transport sector have urged employers to show action, commitment and leadership
NEWS
West of England sets out transport plans
West of England mayor Helen Godwin has acknowledged the cost of congestion to the local economy and pledges to deliver mass transit scheme
West Mids advances £50m transport funds
Move aims to accelerate delivery of transport schemes
Public views sought on GM’s future plans
Consultation seeks responses on two draft documents that will shape Greater Manchester’s transport plans over the next few decades
Yorks fleshes out rural franchising pilot plans
Five corridors to be subject to experiment with rural franchising
Council officers fear Welsh franchising delay
ATCO Cymru has asked for a transition period in place if franchising no longer coincides with school terms, to avoid disruption to scholars travel
Blueprint to maintain Cardiff rail momentum
Prime minister launches vision on visit to Taff’s Well depot
News Extra: Growth brings fresh challenges for Eurostar
Eurostar bounced back quickly after Covid. The operator is seeking to expand its network but faces capacity constraints and new competition
Support station link enjoys strong growth
Service is on course to become commercially sustainable
NET ZERO
FirstGroup is among world’s greenest firms
Group recognised by global sustainability benchmarks
COMMENT
Jason Prince: 2026 can be the year we let rail shine
For rail to truly succeed, local leaders must have a far stronger say. The opportunity is now there. Our job is to seize it and deliver
Alex Warner: How can we entice people to go out?
I’m excited after organising two workshops that brought public transport operators together with tourism sector representatives
Nina Lockwood: Creating a culture that values everyone
It’s not about celebrating diversity once a year or ad-hoc policies. It’s about building a culture where everyone in rail can thrive
Chris Cheek: Recognising talent across the modes
Reflections on the new Leadership in Passenger Transport Awards, being launched this week and explains what they’re about
Nick Richardson: Very Light Rail is very promising
Coventry’s demonstration line represents a new form of urban light rail that offers significant advantages over alternatives
Great Minster Grumbles: Murky or not, this whole saga is odd
Our Whitehall insider imagines what’s going on inside the minds of the mandarins at Great Minster House, home of the DfT
WOMEN IN PASSENGER TRANSPORT
Give to Gain – and we all thrive
SONYA BYERS: When we give women the tools and opportunities they deserve, the entire transport ecosystem gains
Moving forward with a mentor
Women in Transport’s Advance mentoring programme enables women to grow, succeed and inspire change together. We hear the experiences of a mentor and a mentee, and what they have each gained
An industry that’s for everyone
LAURA HADZIK: Equality is not inevitable, it is built. Women in Bus and Coach exists to guide and support progress
Cole will continue to support women
Throughout her career, JANE COLE, Blackpool Transport’s retiring MD has been a passionate advocate for women in transport
‘I couldn’t have asked for more help’
The career journeys of four women at ComfortDelGro’s UK & Ireland Bus & Coach businesses show the opportunities on offer
Mind the Gender Gap
CATHERINE GODDARD: Fear shouldn’t shape women’s journeys. Here’s how transport can harness technology to change that
PEOPLE, in association with Intuitive Talent Solutions
New boss for Blackpool
Former Edinburgh Trams MD succeeds Jane Cole council-owned bus and tram operator
DON’T MISS OUT – GET YOUR COPY! – click here to subscribe
