Yesterday, the Urban Transport Group published the results of the Rail and Urban Transport Review. The review was led by Jürgen Maier CBE and was conducted at the request of Louise Haigh, the former Shadow Transport Secretary, who is now the Secretary of State for Transport.
The review calls for a significant transformation to create a more connected, affordable and high-capacity transport network.
On the report’s release, Juergen Maier stated, “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.”
Key findings from the review
The recommendations are extensive, but the broad themes and key recommendations are outlined below.
1. A bold vision for transport
The review advocates for the creation of an integrated Transport Strategy for England (TSE). It suggests this strategy should be part of a wider 10-year infrastructure plan, approved by parliament and overseen by NISTA, providing the private sector with the long-term certainty needed for investment. The review recommends the plan is locked in by parliament, so it avoids the vulnerability of electoral cycles.
Other key commitments include:
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- To double the mode share of rail within a decade.
- A clear commitment to shift from road transport to public transport.
- Increasing decarbonisation and reducing congestion, which would boost productivity.
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- A strong focus on developing skills through apprenticeships.
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- Assigning the Minister of State for Rail explicit responsibility for developing rail supply chains.
2. Accelerating transport infrastructure delivery
The review calls for a “greener, faster, cheaper” approach, with a target to reduce project costs by 20% and timelines by 25%.
It recommends leveraging English devolution to stimulate growth in transport, with multi-year funding settlements for devolved areas, including London, and support for fiscal devolution. For other local authorities, it suggests implementing transparent, needs-based long-term funding.
Improved regional collaboration and reform of sub-national transport bodies are also recommended to ensure better prioritisation and resource allocation.
3. Leveraging public-private partnerships
The review asserts that a new integrated partnership between the public and private sectors should drive major transport infrastructure projects, with the public sector playing a proactive role in boosting private sector confidence and investment.
The Treasury is encouraged to embrace these partnerships, supported by an infrastructure investment playbook that outlines roles for both sectors, helping unlock significant financial investment and economic growth.
4. Optimising delivery structure
The review recommends strengthening the role of local authorities.
It suggests processes should be streamlined to enable fast-track routes for DCOs in the first part of a new parliament, and these should replace hybrid bills as the default for new railway development projects
The review proposes that the new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) has a clear supporting role advising national and regional partners how to deliver transport infrastructure more effectively.
5. Engaging transport users and workforce
The review also calls for increased involvement of trade unions and underrepresented groups to ensure inclusive and effective infrastructure development.
Analysis
It is important to note that while the government commissioned this review, it is not required to implement any of its recommendations. However, given that the findings closely align with Labour’s manifesto commitments and broader policy objectives regarding rail and transport, it is likely that many of the review’s proposals will be adopted as government policy. For example, the report’s recommendations on devolution and increasing passenger involvement have already been reflected in the King’s Speech. Similarly, Labour has been active in promoting private sector investment and has emphasised the need for greater cost efficiency.
While the review is not a silver bullet and significant work remains, it effectively identifies the key challenges that the industry and government must address. The focus on expanding public-private partnerships is particularly welcome, as NSAR has consistently advocated for policymakers to prioritise this. Equally positive is the recommendation to establish a clear, stable, and long-term pipeline—something NSAR and other industry bodies have long argued is essential for boosting private sector investment, securing finance and upskilling the rail workforce.
Most importantly for NSAR is the recommendation to develop a national strategy focused on enhancing skills and apprenticeships. The proposal to prioritise social value and apprenticeships in the procurement of rail infrastructure is another critical aspect. NSAR has consistently stressed that this is essential to meet future skills demands.
Overall, the review sets out a strong roadmap for transforming the rail industry, and NSAR urges the new government to act on its findings.