Industry heavyweight Juergen Maier CBE has today announced the publication of the “Rail and Urban Transport Review,” an ambitious report setting out a bold vision and plan for the future of the UK’s rail and urban transport infrastructure, emphasising the need for a paradigm shift to create a more connected, affordable, and high-capacity transport network.
The Review was commissioned by the Labour Party while in opposition in December 2023 and amonmgst its recommendations it calls for the establioshing of an ambitious transport infrastructure plan to ensure a greener, more inclusive, and efficient UK transport network – fit not just for the next five years, but the next 50.
This should start with the creation of a Transport Strategy for England (TSE), encompassing skills, land use and housing objectives to align with regional and local strategies.
The author calls for an ambitious national transport strategy to increase journeys by public transport, walking, and cycling by 2035, and to double the mode share of rail within a decade.
Juergen Maier CBE, Chair of the Review, stated:
“This is a pivotal moment for the UK’s transport sector. We have a unique opportunity to reshape our transport infrastructure to be greener, more inclusive, and future-ready. Our recommendations provide a clear roadmap for the new government to seize this moment and drive significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. Until now, the ‘chop and change’ approach to transport policy has created significant ambiguity in the sector, raised costs, and held back investment. We must set the UK on a new course.”
Transport Secretatry Louise Haigh MP, added that
“14 years of Conservative government left the public sick and tired of broken promises on transport infrastructure.
“This independent expert-led review provides a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities we face in delivering transport infrastructure in Britain, and will help inform this new Government’s thinking.
“We are clear that we will deliver value for the taxpayer while turbocharging delivery of transport projects. That’s how you grow the economy in every corner of the country, and deliver the transport network that modern Britain needs.”
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