• ‘Invest and grow’ is key message of new report from transport authorities ahead of Government’s Spending Review

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.

In a new report, the Urban Transport Group – the UK’s network of transport authorities – says the Spending Review presents an opportunity for Government to invest in local transport to help deliver on growth and its wider missions on healthier lives, safer streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity, and accelerating to net zero.

The report, the last in a series of papers detailing how to achieve a brighter transport future (see notes to editors), highlights where UTG member transport authorities have undertaken transformative projects and initiatives, enabled by devolved powers and funds, such as the expansion of the West Midlands Metro, London’s Elizabeth Line or new rail stations in Liverpool City Region.

The report goes further by outlining ambitious future plans for local transport networks to drive growth - projects which are set to transform city regions and the lives of people who live and work in them. These include West Yorkshire’s mass transit scheme, the re-opening of the Leamside Line in the North East, and the West of England Combined Authority’s 10 Year Rail Delivery Plan.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

“Government must use the Spending Review to ‘invest and grow’ - providing long-term funding certainty and stability for local transport to boost economic growth.

“City regions are the drivers of growth and our members are already delivering transport projects that are boosting economic prosperity, unlocking housing and employment opportunities, improving productivity and raising living standards across these places.

“Getting the right funding in the Spending Review is vital if this is to continue.”

The report says the Spending Review can enable transport authorities to build a stable footing by:

• Reforming and providing long-term certainty of bus revenue support
• Confirming ‘City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements 2’ allocations and previously announced uplifts
• Continuing progress towards Integrated Settlements for Mayoral Combined Authorities
• Unlocking local rail funding and investment levers
• Investing in the delivery of zero emission buses
• Providing sustainable long-term funding to local authorities
• Committing to greater fiscal devolution
• Providing a multi-year funding settlement for Transport for London.