An over-emphasis on policy and strategy has overshadowed implementation and delivery. Our new approach must be outcome focused, place-based and put the user at the heart of decision making.
Transport for the North‘s (TfN) proposal on devolving transport policy to the regions and developing a national transport strategy, will form part of The Transport Committee‘s future inquiry into Strategic Transport Objectives.
TfN shared with the Committee ideas on how to plan, develop and deliver public investment both in infrastructure and services.
The Committee launched its ‘Our Future Transport’ campaign for experts, researchers and innovative thinkers to share their ideas on what the Committee should investigate for its next inquiry.
Over 220 applications were submitted from across the UK’s transport sector, including from academics, charities, operators, campaigners and members of the public.
The cross-party Committee shortlisted 12 submissions and applicants were invited to pitch to the Committee on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 May, to help MPs decide which ideas to take forward as the premise of a future inquiry.
Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive at Transport for the North, who presented at the pitch, said: “This is excellent news and we very much welcome the new inquiry to improve planning and delivery of transport services. Our Future Transport needs to acknowledge that continuation of our current approach to transport will not deliver the outcomes we seek – for our economy, society, or environment. An over emphasis on policy and strategy has overshadowed implementation and delivery.
“Following a period of considerable social and economic challenge, it is more important than ever that Transport for the North continues to champion the North and make the case for the investment that will deliver new opportunities for people in the North.
“Our approach puts the needs of the user at the heart of our work for only in this way will our solutions deliver real results for passengers and taxpayers. Together with our Board members we will continue to ensure the North’s needs are reflected in investment programmes, as well as supporting our own partners to deliver their proposals.”