WISP call for evidence
February, 2022
Consulting body:
Network Rail
Topic:
Regional and Urban Rail
Resources
Making rail reform work for people and places in the city regions
December, 2021
This statement calls for rail reform to both build on the success of the devolution of rail powers which has already taken place, and for structured and meaningful involvement for the city regions in how rail reform plans unfold.
It sets out a range of scenarios for how the proven benefits of devolving further responsibilities for rail could be extended to more passengers and places. These include options for extending and deepening local control and accountability for both rail services, infrastructure and investment.
Topic:
Submission to the Comprehensive Spending Review 2021
September, 2021
This is our submission to HM Treasury's Comprehensive Spending Review 2021. In our submission, we warn Government that wider objectives for carbon reduction and levelling up (as well as the specific objectives of the national active travel and bus strategies) cannot be met without increased spending on local transport. Indeed, without additional funding bus patronage (and bus network size) are likely to remain at levels well below what they were pre-pandemic (when patronage and network size were already at an all-time low).
To fully realise the benefits of enhanced, devolved and longer term funding for local transport we need city region transport authorities which are fully empowered to take decisions across the modes in a way which reflects local circumstances and aspirations.
Consulting body:
HM Treasury
Document:
Building back better on urban transport
June, 2021
As the network of transport authorities serving the largest city regions in England, we worked together to keep the wheels of public transport turning during the lockdown so that key workers could get to where they needed to be.
In this paper we set out how, with the right policy framework from Government, we can meet the challenge of ramping up public transport and prioritising cycling and walking to support a green and just recovery.
(Updated version June 2021)
Major transport infrastructure projects: appraisal and delivery
January, 2021
Our response to the Transport Committee inquiry into the appraisal and delivery of major transport infrastructure projects. This inquiry considers: transport infrastructure strategy and priorities; the appraisal and funding of transport infrastructure; oversight, accountability and governance of transport infrastructure projects; and factors influencing the cost and capacity and skills required to deliver the infrastructure plans.
Consulting body:
Transport Select Committee
Submission to the Comprehensive Spending Review 2020
September, 2020
This is our submission to HM Treasury's Comprehensive Spending Review 2020. In our submission, we call upon the Government to move on from its current 'patch and mend’ approach to closing the COVID-19 funding gap for public transport towards longer-term, secure arrangements. We argue that this should form the basis for wider reforms of the funding and powers of city region transport authorities. In practice, this would mean providing long-term funding packages for local transport similar to those already in place for national rail and roads, as well as upgrading the powers of city region transport authorities so they are more in line with those in London. This would ensure that transport authorities are fully empowered and funded to meet the challenge of a green and just recovery from COVID-19.
Consulting body:
HM Treasury
Action stations: How devolution is transforming rail stations for the better
August, 2020
This report focuses on the benefits of the involvement of devolved authorities in rail stations.
It does so by looking at over 35 case studies of how and why devolved authorities have improved stations for the better in recent years – and the wide range of different kinds of benefits that this has brought for passengers and the places the railway serves. These benefits include helping to meet local housing need and sparking regeneration, turning run-down stations into gateways and places to be proud of, and improving the accessibility and environmental performance of station buildings.
The report goes further by looking at the potential to achieve even greater results through devolving more responsibilities for stations, such as delivering common branding with the rest of the local public transport network, through to ensuring plans and funding for stations is integrated with wider plans around housing, economic development and decarbonisation.
What next for urban transport?
September, 2019
This report - published to coincide with the 2019 Autumn Party Conferences - identifies four urban transport challenges and four solutions needed to overcome them.
It also details what transport authorities need from Government to bring about these changes.
On launching the report, Stephen Edwards, Chair of the Urban Transport Group and Executive Director of South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, said: "There is much more that needs to be done if transport is to contribute effectively to meeting the many challenges that city regions face, from the climate crisis to public health challenges associated with a lack of physical activity. The right policies can help overcome these challenges."
Number crunch 2019: Urban transport trends in changing times
June, 2019
We are living in rapidly changing times. Big shifts are taking place in urban transport trends.
Number crunch 2019 is the second in our Number crunch report series and provides an updated overview of the key trends over the last ten years, as well as taking a look at what the new and most recent data is telling us. The report also investigates some new issues – including housing need and social inclusion.
In these changing times, the case for coordinated and integrated transport planning at the city region level is stronger than ever. So is the case for long term funding frameworks for local urban transport rather than stop-start funding as is currently the case.
Williams Rail Review - Call for evidence: objectives and assessment criteria
April, 2019
Our consultation response to the Williams Rail Review's call for evidence on objectives and assessment criteria. The Review was established to recommend the most appropriate organisational and commercial frameworks to support the delivery of the government’s vision for the railway.
Consulting body:
Department for Transport
Pages
Case for rail devolution.
February, 2016
Presentation to Rail Delivery Group Conference 2 February 2016 on case for rail devolution.
Document:
Topic:
Policy Futures - Seamless public transport
September, 2014
This policy futures paper highlights the growing appetite for giving larger cities outside London more of the benefits that London enjoys on public transport, and brings together the ideas from the other policy futures papers.
Policy Futures - Rail
September, 2014
This Policy Futures paper sets out the changed needed to ensure that modern commuter networks compliment enhanced national and inter-regional services in a way that meets the needs of the city regions.
Topic:
Rail in the North of England
June, 2014
A briefing on Rail in the North - and the case for investment and a growing railway.
Document:
Topic:
Rail in the North
November, 2011
A booklet by the Rail in the North All Party Parliamentary Group exploring key policy issues affecting rail in the North of England.
Document:
Topic:
The rail industry - an introduction
August, 2011
A basic introduction to the way the rail industry works, highlighting its key features and mechanisms.
Document:
Rail Cities in the 21st Century - The Case for Devolution
October, 2010
pteg's vision for rail in the city regions
Document:
Topic:
Making rail reform work for people and places in the city regions
December, 2021
This statement calls for rail reform to both build on the success of the devolution of rail powers which has already taken place, and for structured and meaningful involvement for the city regions in how rail reform plans unfold.
It sets out a range of scenarios for how the proven benefits of devolving further responsibilities for rail could be extended to more passengers and places. These include options for extending and deepening local control and accountability for both rail services, infrastructure and investment.
Topic:
Building back better on urban transport
June, 2021
As the network of transport authorities serving the largest city regions in England, we worked together to keep the wheels of public transport turning during the lockdown so that key workers could get to where they needed to be.
In this paper we set out how, with the right policy framework from Government, we can meet the challenge of ramping up public transport and prioritising cycling and walking to support a green and just recovery.
(Updated version June 2021)
Action stations: How devolution is transforming rail stations for the better
August, 2020
This report focuses on the benefits of the involvement of devolved authorities in rail stations.
It does so by looking at over 35 case studies of how and why devolved authorities have improved stations for the better in recent years – and the wide range of different kinds of benefits that this has brought for passengers and the places the railway serves. These benefits include helping to meet local housing need and sparking regeneration, turning run-down stations into gateways and places to be proud of, and improving the accessibility and environmental performance of station buildings.
The report goes further by looking at the potential to achieve even greater results through devolving more responsibilities for stations, such as delivering common branding with the rest of the local public transport network, through to ensuring plans and funding for stations is integrated with wider plans around housing, economic development and decarbonisation.
What next for urban transport?
September, 2019
This report - published to coincide with the 2019 Autumn Party Conferences - identifies four urban transport challenges and four solutions needed to overcome them.
It also details what transport authorities need from Government to bring about these changes.
On launching the report, Stephen Edwards, Chair of the Urban Transport Group and Executive Director of South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, said: "There is much more that needs to be done if transport is to contribute effectively to meeting the many challenges that city regions face, from the climate crisis to public health challenges associated with a lack of physical activity. The right policies can help overcome these challenges."
Number crunch 2019: Urban transport trends in changing times
June, 2019
We are living in rapidly changing times. Big shifts are taking place in urban transport trends.
Number crunch 2019 is the second in our Number crunch report series and provides an updated overview of the key trends over the last ten years, as well as taking a look at what the new and most recent data is telling us. The report also investigates some new issues – including housing need and social inclusion.
In these changing times, the case for coordinated and integrated transport planning at the city region level is stronger than ever. So is the case for long term funding frameworks for local urban transport rather than stop-start funding as is currently the case.
The place to be: How transit oriented development can support good growth in the city regions
January, 2019
This report examines ‘transit oriented development’ - the principle of putting public transport front and centre in new residential and commercial developments, with the aim of maximising access by public transport, encouraging walking and cycling, and minimising the need to own and use private cars.
The report suggests that transit oriented development has the potential to meet housing need without undermining the green belt or creating more traffic congestion and sprawl. It also examines other areas where it can deliver wide-ranging benefits, such as to local economies; air quality and carbon emissions; social inclusion, employment and skills; health; and public transport patronage.
The place to be sets out a five point plan on how to realise more building developments which are based around sustainable, public transport and active travel.
About towns: How transport can help towns thrive
November, 2018
This report examines the key role that transport interventions can play in supporting post-industrial towns.
It features case studies from the UK and the wider world of how different types of interventions - from transport’s role as an ‘anchor institution’ for local economies and as an employer, through to how transport interchanges can act as ‘gateways’ and sources of civic pride and renewal - can achieve results.
A key finding of the report is that isolated capital interventions in transport infrastructure are insufficient in themselves. Instead, more co-ordinated programmes of transport capital and revenue investment and support are needed if towns are to truly thrive.
Policy futures for urban transport
September, 2018
The latest edition of Policy futures for urban transport emphasises how a new deal on funding and powers is essential to keep the UK's cities moving forward.
The report sets out the 10 key policy changes that are needed to make cities healthier, fairer and more prosperous.
These include further devolution of rail services; greater funding for buses; reform of taxi and Private Hire Vehicle legislation; an ambitious strategy to encourage more cycling and walking; a long term investment plan for urban rail services; and a visionary national policy framework on air quality.
Rail Cities UK: Our vision for their future
June, 2018
Significant rail expansion is the 'only viable option' to help UK cities achieve their ambitions on economic growth and meeting housing demand, whilst also creating attractive urban centres with less road traffic and better air quality.
This report sets out a vision of what a step change in rail provision could mean for passengers and cities - and the obstacles that stand in the way.
Topic:
Number crunch: Transport trends in the city regions
April, 2018
Our report, Number crunch: Transport trends in the city regions, identifies some of the most defining patterns of the past decade (and projected future trends) that are changing the face of the UK’s city regions, and the way that people travel within them.
Ageing urban populations, rapid bus passenger decline and huge growth in private hire vehicles are just some of the dramatic shifts taking place in UK cities.
The report draws on data from our unique, free and interactive online tool ‘Data Hub’, which allows users to generate bespoke analysis, graphics and charts of transport, economic and population data.
Pages
WISP call for evidence
February, 2022
Consulting body:
Network Rail
Topic:
Submission to the Comprehensive Spending Review 2021
September, 2021
This is our submission to HM Treasury's Comprehensive Spending Review 2021. In our submission, we warn Government that wider objectives for carbon reduction and levelling up (as well as the specific objectives of the national active travel and bus strategies) cannot be met without increased spending on local transport. Indeed, without additional funding bus patronage (and bus network size) are likely to remain at levels well below what they were pre-pandemic (when patronage and network size were already at an all-time low).
To fully realise the benefits of enhanced, devolved and longer term funding for local transport we need city region transport authorities which are fully empowered to take decisions across the modes in a way which reflects local circumstances and aspirations.
Consulting body:
HM Treasury
Document:
Major transport infrastructure projects: appraisal and delivery
January, 2021
Our response to the Transport Committee inquiry into the appraisal and delivery of major transport infrastructure projects. This inquiry considers: transport infrastructure strategy and priorities; the appraisal and funding of transport infrastructure; oversight, accountability and governance of transport infrastructure projects; and factors influencing the cost and capacity and skills required to deliver the infrastructure plans.
Consulting body:
Transport Select Committee
Submission to the Comprehensive Spending Review 2020
September, 2020
This is our submission to HM Treasury's Comprehensive Spending Review 2020. In our submission, we call upon the Government to move on from its current 'patch and mend’ approach to closing the COVID-19 funding gap for public transport towards longer-term, secure arrangements. We argue that this should form the basis for wider reforms of the funding and powers of city region transport authorities. In practice, this would mean providing long-term funding packages for local transport similar to those already in place for national rail and roads, as well as upgrading the powers of city region transport authorities so they are more in line with those in London. This would ensure that transport authorities are fully empowered and funded to meet the challenge of a green and just recovery from COVID-19.
Consulting body:
HM Treasury
Williams Rail Review - Call for evidence: objectives and assessment criteria
April, 2019
Our consultation response to the Williams Rail Review's call for evidence on objectives and assessment criteria. The Review was established to recommend the most appropriate organisational and commercial frameworks to support the delivery of the government’s vision for the railway.
Consulting body:
Department for Transport
Principles for the Rail Review
January, 2019
Our response to the Williams Rail Review, which was established to recommend the most appropriate organisational and commercial frameworks to support the delivery of the government’s vision for the railway. Here, we outline the key principles which should underpin rail reform.
Consulting body:
Department for Transport
Rail Infrastructure Investment Inquiry
January, 2018
Consulting body:
Transport Select Committee
Topic:
Network Rail's consultation on its methodology for allocating fixed costs to train operators in Control Period 5 (CP6)
November, 2017
Consulting body:
Network Rail
Topic:
Network Rail's consultation on variable charges and station charges in Control Period 6 (CP6)
October, 2017
Consulting body:
Network Rail
Topic:
ORR's consultation on the overall framework for regulating Network Rail (PR18)
September, 2017
Consulting body:
Office of Rail and Road
Topic:
Pages
City regions must help shape rail reform to ensure benefits reach more people and places
Monday, December 13, 2021
City regions must ‘have a seat at the table’ when decisions are taken about how the Government’s reform of the railways is implemented – a new statement from the Urban Transport Group urges.
Urban Transport Group responds to Spending Review
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Responding to today’s Spending Review, Jonathan Bray, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:
Government will miss carbon reduction objectives and levelling up goals without more local transport spending, warn city regions
Thursday, September 23, 2021
The Government will fail to meet its objectives around carbon reduction and levelling up unless it increases spending on local transport as part of the Spending Review.
The biggest job in UK urban transport: TfL Commissioner to speak about leading through a global crisis and towards a green and just recovery
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Transport for London Commissioner Andy Byford will be in conversation with Jo Field, Chief Executive of JFG Communications and President of Women in Transport for the seventh in the Urban Transport Next series of events, hosted by Urban Transport Group.
Urban Transport Group welcomes Williams-Shapps rail plan
Thursday, May 20, 2021
The UK’s network of urban transport authorities has welcomed the news that the Williams-Shapps Plan for rail will give ‘local leaders…greater control over local ticketing, timetables and stations.’
Topic:
Urban Transport Group brings together past and present Nexus leaders to celebrate 40 years of Tyne and Wear Metro at special event
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
The Urban Transport Group is bringing together the former boss of Nexus (the public body which operates the Tyne and Wear Metro) Mike Parker and its current Director General Tobyn Hughes for a special event to celebrate 40 years of the unique and pioneering light rail system.
Topic:
City regions must be “at the heart” of Government’s Green Industrial Revolution
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
City regions say Government’s decision to end franchising brings ‘greater stability’ to rail sector
Monday, September 21, 2020
The Urban Transport Group, the UK’s network of city region transport authorities, has today welcomed the announcement by Government that it will end the current rail franchising model and replace it with new ‘recovery’ contracts.
Topic:
Empower urban transport authorities to build back better from COVID-19, urges report
Friday, September 18, 2020
Transport authorities can play their part in shaping a positive legacy of COVID-19 for the UK’s city regions, provided they are given both the funding and powers they need to respond to the challenges that lie ahead.
Rail stations investment key to building back better after COVID-19
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
- New report shows essential role devolved authorities can play in station transformation
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