Updated 09.50

The Government has outlined plans to help local councils make seamless travel on trains, trams and buses easier, but one transport campaigning group has warned that a truly integrated national transport system should be the long-term ambition, while engineers have called for ‘clear goals’ for every operator, region and type of travel.

Other measures announced by the Department for Transport include a new Google Maps partnership so that passengers can track rural buses, ‘Mini-Switzerland’ Peak District trials and a Parking Platform to end car app ‘chaos’.

Local leaders are being given the tools to replicate the ‘joined-up’ systems which already exist in areas like Liverpool, London and Nottingham. County-wide contactless payment on buses and trains is also being introduced in some rural counties, such as Cornwall.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: ‘For too long, getting from A to B has been more complicated than it needs to be. People want journeys to be easy and reliable. They want to be able to get off a train and straight on to a bus without having to battle through a confusing system or buy separate tickets for each part of their journey.

‘That’s why we’re giving local leaders the powers to build transport networks that are simpler, more accessible and better connected, improving everyday journeys and supporting growth in every corner of the country.’ 

While local politicians will continue to decide whether to invest in contactless travel, the Government said it has made it easier than ever by providing technical support and long-term funding. This includes £40 million which will make it possible for local authorities to developand try digital technologies.

The Government has also published new Local Transport Plan guidance giving local leaders clear blueprints for building joined-up transport.

Urban Transport Group director Jason Prince said: ‘The new transport strategy, which includes an ambition to deliver a step change in tap-and-go contactless services for customers, is welcome. The strategy, which has been eagerly anticipated by the sector, builds on the innovative work already underway in devolved areas of the country to deliver better, more joined-up transport networks.’

Campaign for Better Transport CEO Ben Plowden said: ‘Many journeys involve more than one mode of transport, so these proposals to improve journey planning, tap-and-go multimodal ticketing and the Mini Switzerland pilot are welcome. But we need to build on these proposals to create the truly integrated national transport system we need to tackle the climate crisis and social exclusion and which communities across the country have been wanting for decades.’

Institution of Civil Engineers director of policy and external affairs Sam Gould said: ‘There is much to welcome in the government’s Better Connected  transport strategy. It’s positive to see it centred on making journeys easier and more affordable for people and its emphasis on local decision-making.

‘Giving regional leaders more flexibility, control and long-term funding to make transport decisions for their areas will help meet people’s needs better. However, while it sets helpful principles and priorities, it does not provide the clear, long‑term transport objectives that the Institution of Civil Engineers has said are essential components of a transport strategy that will guide investment in infrastructure. Consequently, decision making risks remaining fragmented across transport modes and regions.

‘What’s needed are clear goals that every region, operator and mode can work towards together.’

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