Passengers across England could soon benefit from wider access to tap-and-go travel across buses, trains and trams, as the government sets out a new national transport strategy aimed at simplifying everyday journeys.
Announced on 2 April 2026, the Better Connected strategy includes more than 40 funded commitments designed to improve integration, payment and reliability across the transport network.
Central to the plan is giving local leaders greater powers and funding certainty to introduce contactless, multi-modal travel systems similar to those already in place in cities such as London, Liverpool and Nottingham. These systems allow passengers to travel seamlessly across different modes using a single payment method.
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.”
Real-time data and digital integration
The strategy also introduces a new partnership with Google, enabling real-time bus tracking across England through Google Maps. The move is expected to improve journey planning, particularly in rural areas where services are less frequent.
Alongside this, the National Parking Platform will be expanded, allowing drivers to use a single app of their choice across multiple car parks, removing the need to download different applications for different locations.
To support further innovation, the government has committed £40 million for local authorities to trial new digital technologies aimed at reducing congestion and improving network performance.
Rural transport pilot announced
A £6 million pilot scheme, described as a “Mini Switzerland” model, will be launched in the Peak District’s Hope Valley. The trial will test more frequent and better-coordinated rural bus services, timed to connect with train arrivals, with the aim of improving accessibility and supporting tourism.
Wider transport reforms
The strategy sits alongside broader transport reforms, including the creation of Great British Railways, investment in road maintenance and the rollout of electric vehicle infrastructure.
Industry bodies and passenger groups have welcomed the announcement, highlighting the potential for simpler ticketing, improved real-time information and better integration between transport modes.
Alex Robertson, Chief Executive of Transport Focus, said:
“Passengers have told us for years that complexity is one of the biggest barriers to using public transport. Having to juggle different tickets, apps and payment methods for a single journey is frustrating and puts people off leaving the car at home.
“Tap-and-go travel, real-time bus tracking and better-connected services will make a genuine difference to people’s daily lives.”
The strategy also emphasises accessibility and affordability, with measures such as the rail fare freeze, bus fare cap and fuel duty freeze forming part of the wider approach to supporting the cost of living.
Local authorities will retain discretion over whether to implement contactless systems, but the government has committed to providing the technical infrastructure and funding support to accelerate rollout across more towns and cities.
