The government launched their new Mass Transit Taskforce on Wednesday 20 May, to reshape the future of transport in towns and cities across the UK.
This new taskforce will make recommendations to improve transit systems so they can be delivered more efficiently, tackling barriers to delivery of mass transit systems across the country - supporting economic growth, jobs and new homes.
This taskforce comes as the government is due to consult on new devolved powers to help mayors introduce mass transit systems.
The group, which includes leading experts from the world of transport, industry, finance and academia, will identify the biggest hurdles facing the introduction of mass transit systems across the UK and how to overcome them.
Mass transit encompasses networks of trams, light rail and high-frequency buses that move large numbers of people quickly across towns and cities and has transformed urban life in places like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. These systems connect people with jobs, homes, public services and opportunities, while reducing congestion and carbon emissions.
Currently, factors like planning processes, fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land get in the way of delivering these systems. The new taskforce will seek to overcome these by identifying practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, and making targeted recommendations to the government.
Working independently, and led by Chair Bridget Rosewell CBE, the taskforce will draw on best practice from across the world to make recommendations on how mass transit systems can be delivered more quickly and efficiently. Other members of the taskforce will include: David Milner, Managing Director of Create Streets; Richard de Cani, Chief Officer for Global Business and Markets at Arup; and Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group.
Alongside this taskforce, the government is also announcing that it will consult on measures to devolve additional powers to mayors, allowing them to have final say over decisions related to public transport – including mass transit. Known as Transport and Works Act orders (TWAOs), the devolution of these powers will ensure local leaders have more tools to deliver local transport which meets the needs of their communities.
The work of the Mass Transit Taskforce is already underway, with evidence already being gathered ahead of its first recommendations in 6 months. The government is yet to announce further details on the taskforce, including its full membership and immediate next steps.