In this episode, Simon Lightwood MP, the Minister for Roads and Buses, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group.

During the discussion, the Minister focused on the bus: highlighting the importance of buses during his childhood, outlining how the new Bus Services Act will impact services in England, and explaining the role of the bus in driving UK economic growth. The pair also spoke about the forthcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy, transport devolution, accessibility in transport, and micromobility.

You can listen again below.

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Urban Transport Next is supported by AtkinsRéalis.

About Simon Lightwood

Simon Lightwood was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport in the Department for Transport on 9 July 2024. Simon was reappointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Transport in September 2025 with a new portfolio, Minister for Roads and Buses.

Previously Simon was Shadow Transport Minister, appointed first in October 2022 and re-appointed in September 2023 with an expanded portfolio.

Simon was first elected as MP for Wakefield in a by-election in June 2022 and was re-elected as MP for Wakefield and Rothwell in July 2024.

Prior to being elected, Simon was a proud NHS worker, a Labour councillor and cabinet member for public health. He studied theatre acting at Bretton Hall College in Wakefield after moving to the city in the late 90s.

His wider interests involve spending time with his husband and two young children and supporting his local Rugby League team, Wakefield Trinity.

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis provides holistic, end-to-end advisory services for many combined authorities and city regions across the UK.

From strategic advisory on funding and finance through feasibility, business case and optioneering, we develop optimum transport and place-based strategies that support the delivery of our client's objectives, including economic, health, environmental and social value.

We support some of the most transformational programmes and schemes in the UK, spanning all modes of transport, from active travel to Mass Transit and Rail, to enhance productivity and place.

We create long-term, collaborative relationships with our clients and partners by developing a deep understanding of their needs and priorities to shape the future of transport and reimagine infrastructure. Together, we’re engineering a better future for our planet and its people.