Blog

Our blog offers commentary, analysis and insights on the latest urban transport debates from our team of experts, as well as our Director’s regular column for Passenger Transport magazine.

UTG, my next stop

"Today is my first day as Director of the Urban Transport Group, a role that I am looking forward to with a mixture of both excitement and trepidation." In his first blog post, Jason Prince writes about why he's truly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for UTG and for local and urban transport.

No transport, no growth – Mayor Andy Burnham in conversation with Urban Transport Group

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is one of the most recognisable voices in today’s politics, known for his passionate advocacy for Manchester, the North and for better transport. He was certainly in his element during a conversation with Laura Laker, the freelance journalist who put the questions to the Mayor earlier this week as part of our Urban Transport Next conversations series.  

Is Great British Railways still on track?

The delivery of the biggest rail reform since the 1990s seems to be stalling in its tracks since the Great British Railways plans were announced in 2021. Yet Monta Drozdova looks at some reforms (outside of primary legislation) which are gathering pace.

Working towards making every day a clean air day

Whilst air quality has improved across the country over the last few decades, air pollution remains amongst the most pressing and biggest challenges facing our members. Monta Drozdova looks at what action is being taken at the city region level.

“If you want to get outside, you’re gonna have to use a bus”- Stories on how the bus is a lifeline for many young adults

Dr Sarah Collings of the University of the West of England blogs on how buses are vital for young adults to access education and employment, and for building life-skills, following interviews with 17 and 18-year-olds.

Video games, rugby and graffiti – how novel approaches to anti-social behaviour are improving safety and security on transport

Fearing, experiencing or seeing the effects of anti-social behaviour makes journeys unpleasant and deters people from using public transport - which should be a safe space for all. Monta Drozdova explores our members' efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour on their networks.