The Future of Transport. Could devolution be a game changer?

According to the UK Government’s English Devolution White Paper (2024), the aim of devolution is to ensure that “decisions are made closer to the people they affect”  and transport is a key focus area for this strategy. Centralised vs Decentralised power Devolution shifts transport decision-making from a national level to a more local level. This gives local authorities more power in decision-making relating to transport planning and implementation. This could mean the needs of local people are met with better local spending on transport where it matters most.  The English Devolution White Paper (2024) suggests bringing stronger powers to mayors with integrated funding opportunities to deliver better transport services. Greater transport planning focusing on a smaller-scale transport network rather than a top-down government approach may make changes which serve a greater number of local people. Increased Local Power Local authorities will gain greater flexibility in the management of transport budgets and in making decisions about funding services like concessionary travel and bus operations, according to the English Devolution White Paper (2024). Your local authority may choose to move funding for transport services and prioritise discounted travel where it is needed the most through identifying cost efficiencies (Carrington West, 2025). Better Coordination A devolution approach can lead to better coordinated transport across different travel modes within local regions. Improvements to local transport services have already been seen through devolution deals (UTG Report, 2025). There is an opportunity for a more integrated method of transport, where train, bus, micro mobility, and active travel services can become more efficient for local people’s use. Accountability and Local Needs Local Decision-makers can be held more accountable to their constituents, leading to greater local involvement. This in turn could provide opportunities for local users of the transport network to have greater input in decision-making (UTG Report, 2025). Modal Shift and Sustainability WSP prepared a report in 2023 highlighting the research already done on the interventions to shift people out of private car use. It discusses the opportunities that arise from a devolved authority and how they are better positioned to encourage shifts away from car use through regional policies on clean air zones, low-emission buses, and urban design. Local control allows experimentation with fare caps, ticketing innovations, and service improvements that can increase ridership. Devolution In Practice Since the initial devolution agreement in November 2015, the Liverpool City Region has secured significant investments and implemented various initiatives:Train Travel: A £500 million investment in a new fleet of publicly owned trains on the Merseyrail network, along with the construction of new stations and a 600km cycling and walking network. Bus Travel: In October 2023, the region took the landmark decision to bring the bus network back into public control after nearly 40 years of a deregulated system. The residents of the Liverpool City Region have begun to see an improved bus system with a more reliable service. Active Travel: There are additional plans for a 600km cycling and walking network to be established across the region, making Active Travel for commuting more efficient as a transport method. The region has greater cooperation between the six local councils, making collaborative transport much more efficient. The Manchester City Centre Transport Strategy for 2040, developed by Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), aims to transform how people travel into and around Manchester’s city centre. The strategy is designed to support the region’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2038. Modal Shift: The strategy sets an ambitious target for 90% of peak morning trips into the city centre to be made on foot, by cycle, or using public transport by 2040. Reduced Car Usage: A significant reduction in car use is planned, particularly for short journeys under 2 km. This includes discouraging petrol-driven vehicles and removing car parks to promote cleaner alternatives. Enhanced Public Transport: Improvements to bus, tram, and rail services are central to the strategy, aiming for better integration and efficiency across modes. West Yorkshire’s Mayor Tracy Brabin has committed to introducing capped fares and improving bus reliability to tackle transport poverty and achieve environmental goals (West Yorkshire Combined Authority, 2025). Devolution presents a valuable opportunity to improve public transport, making it more attractive to users, better aligned with local needs, and more integrated for smoother, more efficient journeys. If you have questions about how your local devolution plans might affect transport in your area, please contact your local authority.

Mind the Gap, Watch Your Step…but what if you can’t?

Public transport plays a critical role in people’s movement and contributes to meeting the UK Government’s Net Zero target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2050. Accessibility of public transport for millions of disabled people in the UK is essential to achieving the UK Net Zero target. So how are things evolving to make a more inclusive public transport system? The Equality Act 2010 is a key piece of legislation that continues to shape transport services, ensuring public transport remains accessible for people living with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Under the previous Conservative government, two initiatives were critical for enhancing the accessibility of public transport, including: The Accessibility Action Plan (2018) which saw commitment to making rail services more accessible through station improvements, including step-free access and enhancing communication of important information, including delays and changes to transport routes. The Disability Confident Scheme (2014) encouraged employers to rethink disability and improve how they recruit, retain and develop team members living with disabilities, including accommodating commuter needs. More recently, on 19th February 2025, the current Labour government’s Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood announced the appointment of 13 new members to the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), which provides advice to the Department for Transport (DfT), particularly in relation to policy priorities and areas requiring immediate attention. In the past, DPTAC has helped DfT to make over 260 train stations accessible, via the Access for All programme. Accessibility of Rail For many, rail is essential for travel across the UK, yet it can be challenging for people with disabilities where accessibility has not been thoroughly considered. As part of the previous Conservative government’s Inclusive Transport Strategy (2018),  £350m was put into projects to improve accessibility, such as step-free access improvement works. Transreport, in partnership with National Rail, offer their Passenger Assistance service which enables people to request assistance with train travel and book in advance across any train company in the UK. Passenger Assist helps people navigate stations, get on and off trains, arrange ramp and lift access, carry baggage and assist with getting an Assistance Dog Under Seat card. The current Labour government are planning to reform the UK rail network by establishing Great British Rail (GBR), which will eventually run both Britain’s rail infrastructure and passenger services, but concerns were raised by The Association of British Commuters (ABC) when the recent consultation on the Railway Bill failed to include any mention of a statutory accessibility duty. The DPTAC will likely be working closely with the DfT to ensure accessibility to rail services remains a priority as plans develop. The Railway Bill consultation closes on 15th April 2025, so there is still time to have your say on policy changes and the proposed passenger watchdog, which is expected to have a specific role for accessibility. Click here to read ‘A Railway Fit for Britain’s Future’ published by the DfT to find out more. Accessibility of Buses Buses in the UK have generally seen more consistent improvements, from low-floor model buses helping those with physical disabilities to audio-visual-enabled announcements assisting those with hearing or sight impairments. These changes are being made through legislation and should improve the accessibility, reliability, and comfort experienced by disabled users, as evidenced by research. In 2023, the Public Service Vehicle Regulations were brought out, meaning service providers are required to make “reasonable adjustments”, including access to passenger assistance and access to alternative transport options to ensure that disabled people are not put at a disadvantage. These regulations mean that all public services vehicles such as buses and coaches must comply with certain accessibility standards by 2031, improving accessibility for disabled travellers. The switch to accessible vehicles tends to be slower on rural networks than in cities, but community transport options have filled the space for accessible transport where it is limited; they can take you to medical appointments and social occasions in your local area. If you require accessible transport, check who your local community transport provider is; they may be able to help. If you come across someone who may need help while travelling, consider offering your assistance if you feel comfortable doing so. They may not require any help, which is perfectly fine, but they may appreciate the offer. Try to understand the kind of assistance they might need, and when offering your help, ensure you clearly explain how you plan to assist them. Once you’ve helped, provide them with a brief overview of their new surroundings if their disability is related to sight before continuing on your way. People may or may not appreciate the offer of help, but whether they accept it or not, kindness is free. If you think you could volunteer some of your time to support people with disabilities more regularly, take a look at BeMyEyes an app where individuals with sight-related disabilities can request assistance with everyday tasks, including travel. Could you spare some of your time to assist with community transport in your local area? Community transport provides access for those who need additional assistance when travelling. This can include driving minibuses or offering one-to-one trips in a car to appointments or social activities. Visit our website at smartertravel.uk.com to find out more about the community transport providers operating in your area.

Less Stress, More Savings: The Electric Bus Revolution

Traveling by public transport can be a far less stressful experience than driving yourself. Reducing stress is crucial, as stress can lead to various health complications, including headaches, fluctuating blood pressure, disrupted sleep patterns, and even a weakened immune system, making you more vulnerable to getting sick. Opting for buses instead of personal vehicles could reduce your overall stress. Switching to public transport can also save you thousands of pounds each year. Modern electric buses offer a more comfortable ride and are cheaper to use than maintaining a personal vehicle. Insurance, fuel costs, and vehicle maintenance contribute to an expensive commitment and often create financial stress.  Did you know that until December 31st, 2024, bus fares for major bus routes are capped at just £2, and, with the recent announcement from the budget, £3 until the end of 2025? This makes it an even more affordable option for your daily commute. Increased bus usage also contributes to cleaner air, particularly in our cities. By reducing reliance on single occupancy vehicles, we can significantly reduce transport emissions and the number of harmful particulates entering the atmosphere. Air pollution poses serious health risks, including a higher likelihood of stroke, dementia, cancer, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. What’s Being Done to Boost Bus Use in the UK? The benefits of public transport are clear, and the UK government is taking steps to encourage more people to use buses. One major initiative is the electrification of the bus network, which will upgrade the network and deliver more comfort. Electrifying the Network You might be surprised to learn that the bus you regularly ride could already be electric! Electric buses are becoming increasingly common, especially in the UK’s largest urban areas Such as London. On October 8th 2024, the government announced a £500 million investment to expand the electric bus fleet, with plans to roll out an additional 1,200 zero-emission buses over the next three years. This initiative, called the Zero Emissions Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) program, aims to bring electric buses to cities, towns, and even some rural areas. The Advantages of Electric Buses Switching to electric buses offers numerous benefits: The Future Looks Bright As the bus network evolves with improved technology, we can expect substantial benefits for people and the environment. The transition to electric buses will present challenges, particularly in establishing the necessary charging infrastructure. However, once these hurdles are overcome, towns, cities, and villages will enjoy economic advantages and immediate environmental benefits, including reduced air and noise pollution. In conclusion, switching to public transport, especially electric buses, is a step towards a healthier, more sustainable future. So next time you consider how to get around, think about the many benefits of hopping on a bus!