Mayors and devolved authorities must have a central role in the running of local rail services in the forthcoming Rail Reform Bill, to ensure rail complements local plans for growth, housing, skills and the environment, according to a new report.

The Urban Transport Group has welcomed plans outlined by Government to overhaul the rail system, including ‘giving devolved leaders more of a say on the services that directly impact their towns and cities.’

English transport devolution is delivering real change across major cities, from enhancing connectivity to boosting housebuilding, but must go ‘further and faster’ to unlock additional economic growth.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority has today joined the Urban Transport Group as a Principal Member, strengthening the network of transport authorities across the UK.

Steve Warrener, Managing Director of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), will continue to be Chair of the Urban Transport Group for an additional year.

The Bus Services Bill, which was today introduced into the House of Lords, “heralds a smoother ride” for bus services across England, according to the Urban Transport Group, the UK’s network of transport authorities.

The Urban Transport Group, the UK’s network of transport authorities, has welcomed the publication of the English Devolution White Paper, unveiled today by Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner. 

The Urban Transport Group has today welcomed the vision for the Government’s Integrated National Transport Strategy, which was unveiled by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh in Leeds.

The Urban Transport Group has today welcomed the announcement of how the £1 billion of funding for buses, first set out at the Autumn Budget last month, will be shared across England.