An independent review informed by experts from across the transport industry has called for ambitious plans to ensure a greener, more inclusive, and efficient UK transport network.

The Rail and Urban Transport Review, commissioned by the Labour Party while in opposition in December 2023, was supported by more than 100 written submissions, including from Community Rail Network.

The review emphasises the need for a paradigm shift to create a more connected, affordable, and high-capacity transport network to accelerate the benefits that rail and urban transport infrastructure can unlock.

Its findings have been distilled into five themes to identify how transport can better meet the needs of our economy, society and environment. This is alongside a set of policy recommendations and includes:

• A Bold Long-term Vision and Ambition for Transport Infrastructure: An ambitious national transport strategy to increase journeys by public transport, walking, and cycling by 2035, and to double the mode share of rail within a decade;

• Accelerating Delivery of Transport Infrastructure Across the Nation: Proposing a “Greener, Faster, Cheaper” framework, the review suggests reducing project delivery costs by 20% and timelines by 25%. Catalysing growth by building on the progress of English devolution;

• Harnessing the Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships: Recognising the essential role of private investment, the review recommends developing an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate public-private partnerships. This should be supported by a HM Treasury to develop a new approach to private finance;

• Getting the Structure Right for Delivery Now and in the Future: A clear, long-term national transport strategy aligned with the UK’s industrial strategy and housing delivery. This includes reforms to planning processes and enhancing the role of local authorities in delivering transport infrastructure;

• The Voice of Britain’s Transport Users and Workforce at the Heart of Transport Plans: Emphasising the importance of user and workforce engagement, the review calls for greater involvement of trade unions and underrepresented groups to ensure inclusive and effective infrastructure development.

The review was led by Juergen Maier CBE, former Siemens CEO, with Secretariat support from the Urban Transport Group and expertise from Arup.

You can read the Urban Transport Group’s press release regarding the review here, and access the full report here.

Read Community Rail Network’s original response to the call for evidence here.