Further devolution of rail services, greater funding for buses and reform of taxi and Private Hire Vehicle legislation – these are just three parts of a new deal on funding and powers that is required to keep the UK’s cities moving forward.

That is the warning from the Urban Transport Group – the organisation which represents the UK’s largest city region transport authorities – in its latest report Policy futures for urban transport.

The report, published on the eve of the autumn party conferences, sets out the 10 key policy changes needed to make cities healthier, fairer and more prosperous.

These policy changes also include:

• an ambitious strategy to encourage more cycling and walking;
• a long term investment plan for urban rail services; and
• a visionary national policy framework on air quality.

Tobyn Hughes, Managing Director of Nexus and Chair of the Urban Transport Group, said:

“Cities are the key drivers of the UK economy – yet not enough has been invested in the urban transport networks that support those economies.

“We need a new deal on funding and powers which recognise the exceptional benefits urban transport offers, from supporting jobs and boosting economic growth, to improving air quality and tackling climate change.”

The Urban Transport Group has a presence at each of the major party conferences this autumn, hosting fringe meetings, presenting the Policy futures report to Parliamentarians and showcasing its vision on its exhibition stand. Speakers at its meetings include the London Deputy Mayor for Transport Heidi Alexander and Chair of the Transport Select Committee Lilian Greenwood MP.

Jonathan Bray, Director of Urban Transport Group, added:

“Not only is urban transport underfunded, the way it is funded is highly complex and short-termist. We need to overhaul this current approach if we are to truly realise the benefits better urban transport can bring. We look forward to working in partnership with government to make our vision a reality.”

Read the report here.