The Rail and Urban Transport Review, commissioned by the Labour Party while in opposition in December 2023, has published its recommendations to accelerate the huge benefits that rail and urban transport infrastructure unlocks.

The independent Review is led by former Siemens CEO Juergen Maier CBE, and guided by an Expert Panel from across the industry. Secretariat support is provided by the Urban Transport Group, with expertise and thought leadership support from Arup.

Evidence from across the transport industry has been distilled into five themes with policy recommendations designed to reignite the private public sector relationship and significantly reduce project delivery timelines and costs.

The Review calls for:

• Establishing an ambitious transport infrastructure plan to ensure a greener, more inclusive, and efficient UK transport network – fit not just for the next five years, but the next 50. This should start with the creation of a Transport Strategy for England (TSE), encompassing skills, land use and housing objectives to align with regional and local strategies.
• Implementing a transformative framework to reduce project delivery costs by 20% and timelines by 25%.
• Developing an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate and leverage private investment for substantial improvements.
• Ensuring the voices of transport users and the workforce are central to future transport plans, driving social inclusion and local growth.

Its findings have been distilled into five themes to identify how transport can better meet the needs of our economy, society and environment. This is alongside a set of policy recommendations and include:

• A Bold Long-term Vision and Ambition for Transport Infrastructure: An ambitious national transport strategy to increase journeys by public transport, walking, and cycling by 2035, and to double the mode share of rail within a decade.
• Accelerating Delivery of Transport Infrastructure Across the Nation: Proposing a “Greener, Faster, Cheaper” framework, the review suggests reducing project delivery costs by 20% and timelines by 25%. Catalysing growth by building on the progress of English devolution.
• Harnessing the Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships: Recognising the essential role of private investment, the review recommends developing an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate public-private partnerships. This should be supported by a HM Treasury to develop a new approach to private finance.
• Getting the Structure Right for Delivery Now and in the Future: A clear, long-term national transport strategy aligned with the UK’s industrial strategy and housing delivery. This includes reforms to planning processes and enhancing the role of local authorities in delivering transport infrastructure.
• The Voice of Britain’s Transport Users and Workforce at the Heart of Transport Plans: Emphasising the importance of user and workforce engagement, the review calls for greater involvement of trade unions and underrepresented groups to ensure inclusive and effective infrastructure development.

Juergen Maier CBE, chair of the Review, said: “This is a pivotal moment for the UK’s transport sector. We have a unique opportunity to reshape our transport infrastructure to be greener, more inclusive, and future-ready. Our recommendations provide a clear roadmap for the new government to seize this moment and drive significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.

“Until now, the ‘chop and change’ approach to transport policy has created significant ambiguity in the sector, raised costs, and held back investment. We must set the UK on a new course.”

Louise Haigh MP, added: “This independent expert-led review provides a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities we face in delivering transport infrastructure in Britain, and will help inform this new Government’s thinking.

“We are clear that we will deliver value for the taxpayer while turbocharging delivery of transport projects. That’s how you grow the economy in every corner of the country, and deliver the transport network that modern Britain needs.”

Commenting on the publication of the review, Darren Caplan, RIA chief executive, said: “The Railway Industry Association and our members welcome this transport infrastructure review, and will work with industry colleagues to implement its rail recommendations. We and the wider rail supply sector stand ready to play our part, to help restore confidence in the UK’s ability to efficiently deliver transformative transport infrastructure.

“In particular we welcome the call for a bold national vision for public transport, which is essential to boosting UK growth and productivity, and to help deliver decarbonisation. This vision will be supported by the recommendation that the Minister of State for Rail carries the explicit responsibility for helping develop rail supply chains, working in partnership with business, Tier 1 suppliers, major contractors, and SMEs, to take a greater responsibility in supporting the establishment of local supply chain capability.

“If we get this right, it will benefit not just the railway industry but also future customers – passenger and freight – who will be using this rail infrastructure in the years ahead.”

The full report can be found here.

Image credit: Urban Transport Group