A landmark report, the “Rail and Urban Transport Review,” has been published, outlining a bold vision for the future of the UK’s transport infrastructure. Led by industry heavyweight Juergen Maier CBE, the review emphasises the need for a transformative approach to create a more connected, affordable, and high-capacity network.
The review proposes a series of key recommendations, including:
- Establishing an ambitious transport infrastructure plan to ensure a greener, more inclusive, and efficient network.
- Implementing a transformative framework to reduce project delivery costs and timelines.
- Developing an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate private investment.
- Ensuring the voices of transport users and the workforce are central to future plans.
The findings of the review are distilled into five themes, outlining how transport can better meet the needs of the economy, society, and environment. These themes include:
- A Bold Long-term Vision and Ambition for Transport Infrastructure: Proposes a national transport strategy to increase public transport, walking, and cycling journeys.
- Accelerating Delivery of Transport Infrastructure Across the Nation: Suggests a “Greener, Faster, Cheaper” framework to reduce project costs and timelines.
- Harnessing the Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships: Recommends developing an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate private investment.
- Getting the Structure Right for Delivery Now and in the Future: Calls for a clear, long-term national transport strategy aligned with the UK’s industrial strategy and housing delivery.
- The Voice of Britain’s Transport Users and Workforce at the Heart of Transport Plans: Emphasizes the importance of user and workforce engagement.
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.”
Louise Haigh MP, stated: “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.”
Tai Chong Chew, Director and Global Rail Leader, Arup, stated: “The conclusion of this Review provides an opportunity to showcase the importance of public private collaboration in accelerating the delivery of improved connectivity and growth. Transformative approaches such as ‘Greener, Faster, Cheaper’ will ensure infrastructure projects are delivered on time and within budget, while also enabling a greener and more prosperous UK. Only a relentless commitment to this goal will make certain the changes necessary to bring infrastructure delivery into the 21st Century.”
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said: “Good urban transport plays a vital part in creating a stronger, greener, and fairer economy.
“This Review – which received more than 100 evidence submissions – and its final recommendations, are testament to the collective will and ambition of the sector to deliver better transport services for passengers on our railways and in our urban areas.
“We look forward to working with Government to realise our shared ambitions.”
The full report can be accessed at https://www.orr.gov.uk/about/who-we-work-with/governments/transport-scotland.
