The London Transport Museum, Mott MacDonald, Gowling WLG and Hitachi Rail have collaborated on a new report, highlighting the need for long-term planning to enhance UK transport networks.
The report, entitled ‘Making Transport Fit for the Future,‘ focuses on delivering transport networks that better meet passengers’ needs. This includes ensuring transport is affordable, reliable, convenient, safe and accessible.
The newly published report highlights the immediate need for long-term planning in transport
© London Transport Museum
The report calls for long-term planning through three building blocks:
- Strong Foundations — highlights the need for fundamental improvements to existing transport systems
- Visionary Outlook — charts the course for long-term sustainability and resilience
- Bold Transitions — advocates for innovation and experimentation
By meeting passenger needs, the report outlines how transport can better support low-carbon futures, giving people more reasons to choose sustainable travel.
“This report is the result of thought-provoking and informed discussions from leading thinkers and decision-makers in the transport sector. All of which are united by strong values of social responsibility and for putting sustainability and consumer behaviours at the heart of decision-making. As the world’s leading museum of urban transport, we’re thrilled to facilitate this work as part of our Interchange programme – just one of the ways we’re working to shape a greener future.”
Key calls to action set out in the report include the need for strong, visionary and bold leadership, supported by government commitment. The report also calls for collaboration among stakeholders, including government bodies, regulatory agencies, businesses, and communities.
What’s more, it highlights the need to embrace technological advancements and consider social outcomes in future transport schemes.
“Mott MacDonald is delighted to play its role in shaping the future by working with London Transport Museum’s Interchange programme to look at the UK’s future transport needs, which follows on from our work on last year’s report which considered how to decarbonise transport. I am confident though that, if followed, the building blocks set out in the report can lay the right foundations for transformational change that benefits the environment, society and the UK’s economy within the next decade.”
Ultimately, the report aims to challenge industry leaders, transport authorities, government officials, and policymakers to adopt a visionary, long-term strategy for transport. It offers insights and recommendations for planning and implementing transport systems that cater to the future needs of society.
In doing so, the report also highlights national and international case studies as examples of innovative approaches to transportation. These include:
- TfL’s Active Travel Scheme
- Montpellier’s Free Public Transport
- Paris’s Green Transformation
- First Bus’s Use of AI
- TfL’s Superloop
“The UK’s transport network is the backbone of our country, and as shown by this report, there is a clear need for change. Visionary leadership and a focus on long-term planning and investment are crucial to elevate and futureproof existing transport systems. A shift in thinking is needed to prioritise technological solutions, modernise our railways and give passengers the positive experience they deserve.”
The ‘Making Transport Fit for the Future’ report can be accessed in full, here. Its publication coincides with the election of a new UK government, with Louise Haigh recently appointed the Transport Secretary.
