Established in February 2026, Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority is working to improve how people travel across Cheshire and Warrington, with a focus on making journeys quicker, more reliable and better connected. They will do this by improving local and regional transport links, strengthening connections between towns, rural areas and key economic centres, investing in infrastructure that supports growth, and making it easier for people to access jobs, education and services. 

Lawrence Wilson, Interim Director of Transport at Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, said:  

“We’re delighted to connect into a strong network of urban transport authorities and learn from established combined authorities as we develop our role in transport. We’re looking forward to collaborating on common challenges such as buses, rail integration, demand management, decarbonisation and supporting a more consistent voice from sub-national transport bodies into government. 

“We bring the perspective of a new and developing combined authority shaping its transport function from the ground up, with strong links with constituent local authorities and an ability to bridge local and sub-regional priorities.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s transport ambition is to create a safe, integrated, and low carbon transport system that supports sustainable economic growth while improving quality of life for residents. Through its local transport and connectivity plan, the council aims to significantly reduce reliance on private cars, increase walking, cycling and public transport use, and deliver a net zero transport network. This includes developing a fully connected system — linking rail, bus and active travel — alongside improving road safety, enhancing accessibility, and ensuring transport infrastructure supports new homes, jobs and thriving communities across the county. 

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said:  

“We are delighted to be joining the Urban Transport Group at this key moment for devolution and a step change in how integrated transport is delivered. UTG represents the devolved nations and English mayoral authorities, working closely with government to progress innovative proposals for and making the case for greater investment in rail, buses and active travel.” 

Leicester City Council has committed £70 million through the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund to improve buses, walking and cycling across the city. On buses, Leicester City Council is pursuing 'Enhanced Partnership Max', which aims to rapidly deliver a fully coordinated network to a set of high standards across all aspects of bus service delivery, by March 2027. Its 4-year, £75m investment programme also includes significant bus priority, giving one integrated network of 30 route groups that are electric, frequent, reliable, easy and good value.  

Daniel Pearman, City Transport Director at Leicester City Council, said:  

“We’re very pleased to be joining other authorities within the Urban Transport Group – we have common goals, in enabling people to travel safely and sustainably around their communities, and face the same challenges. Collaboration is the key to success, and as we continue to deliver improvements to Leicester’s bus, walking and cycling networks, we’re excited to share our experience and learn from others.”

Portsmouth City Council’s transport vision is for a people-centred, connected travel network that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport to help deliver a safer, healthier, more prosperous city. Portsmouth has a constrained road network and a high population density which creates a series of transport challenges. Portsmouth City Council wants everyone to have easy access to employment, education, health and leisure facilities. This will in turn support sustainable, inclusive economic growth and contribute to a reduction in congestion, cleaner air and lower carbon emissions. 

Felicity Tidbury, Assistant Director (Transport) at Portsmouth City Council, said: 

“Portsmouth aligns strongly with the Urban Transport Group’s vision to create healthy prosperous places supported by high quality public transport and positive active travel with clean air. As we progress towards a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the wider area, and as one of the authorities leading the development of Enhanced Partnership Max, this is a pivotal moment for us to engage more closely with the national urban transport community. 

“UTG membership allows us to benefit from shared learning, particularly from local transport authorities that have already been through the devolution and local government reorganisation journey, while also contributing our own experience as the UK’s only island city. We welcome the opportunity to participate in UTG’s workstreams and bring a distinctive, practical perspective from a small but ambitious urban authority.” 

The Urban Transport Group now has 10 Principal Members (the highest tier of membership) and 9 Members.

Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, Leicester City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council join UTG as Members.