The Government is being urged to use its forthcoming Spending Review to commit to funding that will secure the future of public transport, which is a core enabler of local and national economic growth.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has become the newest Principal Member of the Urban Transport Group, the UK’s network of transport authorities.

The Urban Transport Group has joined the Government’s new UK Bus Manufacturing Panel, which launched today in Sheffield.

‘Green shoots of growth’ in the latest transport statistics demonstrate that public transport is continuing its strong return, with growing passenger numbers across bus, rail and light rail modes approaching pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report.

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.