West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has given her backing to a new taskforce which aims to tackle hurdles which block the introduction of mass transit systems in the UK.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Government today (Wednesday, 20 May) launched\u00a0its new Mass Transit Taskforce.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The group, which includes leading experts from the world of transport, industry,\u00a0finance\u00a0and\u00a0academia\u00a0will\u00a0identify\u00a0the biggest hurdles facing the introduction of mass transit systems across the UK, and how to overcome them. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Mass transit\u00a0encompasses\u00a0networks of trams, light rail and high-frequency buses that move large numbers of people quickly across towns and cities, and has transformed urban life\u00a0in\u00a0places like Greater Manchester,\u00a0Nottingham, the North East\u00a0and the West Midlands. <\/p>\n
Working independently, and\u00a0led by Chair Bridget Rosewell CBE,\u00a0the\u00a0taskforce\u00a0will\u00a0draw\u00a0on best\u00a0practice\u00a0from\u00a0across the world\u00a0to make recommendations on how mass transit\u00a0systems can be delivered more quickly and efficiently. <\/p>\n
Other members of the taskforce will include David Milner, Managing Director of Create Streets, Richard Di Cani, Chief Officer for Global Business and Markets at Arup and Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. The Urban Transport Group will also provide the secretariat for the Taskforce.<\/p>\n
The move has been welcomed by Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, who remains committed to bring mass transit to West Yorkshire, including a line which connects Bradford and Leeds, which will run through a yet-to-be-determined route through West Leeds.<\/p>\n
She\u00a0said: \u201cWe have ambitious plans for our region, and a Mass Transit system is a key part of that \u2013 by improving connections and boosting growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we all know that there are too many blockers to delivering Mass Transit schemes in this country, so I welcome this taskforce and support any measures that will bring about real change. Local leaders know their areas best \u2013 putting more powers in our hands will allow us to deliver on the change we know our communities want and deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Currently, factors like planning processes,\u00a0fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land get in the way of delivering these systems, and the Taskforce will\u00a0seek\u00a0to overcome these by\u00a0identifying\u00a0practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, and making targeted recommendations to Government. \u00a0<\/p>\n
To go alongside this, the Government is also announcing that it will consult on measures to devolve\u00a0additional\u00a0powers to Mayors,\u00a0allowing\u00a0them\u00a0to have final say over decisions related to public transport \u2013 including mass transit. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Known as Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs),\u00a0the devolution of these powers will ensure local leaders have more tools to\u00a0deliver local transport, which meets\u00a0the needs of local people. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander\u00a0said: \u201cMass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country. Creating\u00a0a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why I am delighted to announce the formation of the Mass Transit Taskforce who will use their skills and vast knowledge to deliver real and practical recommendations to shape the future of urban transport for years to come.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMeanwhile, we\u2019re putting power in local hands, empowering Mayors to deliver mass transit in their towns and cities so they can make decisions for the communities they know best.\u201d<\/p>\n
The work of the Mass Transit Taskforce is already underway, with evidence already being gathered ahead of its first recommendations in six months.\u00a0<\/p>\n