UK: Pteg Becomes Urban Transport Group
Image courtesy of the Urban Transport Group
Following the chance in governance in urban public transport in the UK, pteg, which represented the main six Passenger Transport Executives, has rebranded as the Urban Transport Group. The rebrand has come as Transport for London, the big hitter in urban transport in the country, has come on board.
The seven full members of the Group are:
- Transport for London (TfL)
- South Yorkshire PTE
- Merseytravel
- North East Combined Authority
- Centro
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)
With associate members:
- Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
- Bristol and the West of England Authorities
- Nottingham City Council
The Groups three principle objectives are to make the case for urban transport, to act as a professional network for public sector urban transport professionals with a view to promoting collaborative working, and providing leadership for the sector with an eye on the long-term future.
In addition to broadening the geographical reach of the group, it will also consolidate its work in areas beyond public transport towards strategic highways, active travel and freight and logistics.
As the UK’s united voice in urban transport, the Group will also liaise with the EU for legislative and funding opportunities, in addition to building stronger links with European counterparts as well as the Union of International Public Transport.
TfGM Chief Executive, Dr Jon Lamonte, who chairs the group, said:
There is a consensus now around the power of investing in cities and as a single voice on urban transport we will be able to make a strong and effective case for how transport can support the growth of those economies. We are therefore delighted that Transport for London is joining us as full members as this will ensure that the Urban Transport Group really is the UKs voice on urban transport as well as strengthening our professional network immeasurable so we can all make the most from the opportunities that arise from accelerating devolution.
These are exciting times for urban transport with transformational investment in devolved rail networks, new buses legislation on its way, and a more long term and strategic approach to improving the links between our cities. As a network we can help shape how these opportunities unfold so that each of our members can implement improvements in ways which best meet local priorities and circumstances.
As a united body we will also be able to significantly enhance our work with Government, the wider industry and our stakeholders to ensure an informed debate about urban transport priorities, followed up with cost effective delivery of real improvements for transport users in ways which will also meet the challenges of delivering economic growth, cutting carbon and air pollution, and facilitating greater housing provision. In developing this role our door is always open to discuss with transport authorities elsewhere the potential for joining our growing network.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Andrew Jones MP, said:
An efficient local transport network is vital to our economy. The Urban Transport Group, further strengthened by Transport for London becoming a member, will improve journeys for more than 20 million people in Englands city areas. The seven transport authorities that form the group will share resources and expertise and plan ahead to meet rising demand for public transport, whilst tackling pollution and improving safety. I look forward to working with the Urban Transport Group to ensure investment in infrastructure is best used to improve lives across the UK.
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Lillian Greenwood MP, said:
For nearly fifty years the PTEs have been at the forefront of delivering better transport networks for passengers, and Transport for London has transformed services in the capital since its creation. The combination of these groups and other urban transport authorities into a single body marks a historic moment in transport policy and we welcome it wholeheartedly.
High quality roads and public transport networks are vital if our cities are to grow sustainably. TfL and pteg have already secured important policy changes that will benefit passengers, including on smart ticketing and reforms to bus legislation, and I am sure that the Urban Transport Group will go from strength to strength.
At a time when transport authorities are trying to deliver and co-ordinate services against a backdrop of increasingly constrained resources, its more important than ever that urban areas speak with one voice and make the case for further reform.
Chief Executive of UITP (the global public transport network), Alain Flausch, said:
For the last few years we have noted that the UK has become one of the few, if not the most progressive country, in terms of public transport development and modernisation. As the public transport authority for the UKs capital city, Transport for London, has been leading the way, notably in terms of congestion charging, bus provision and tube modernisation.
As for the rest of the country, it has been active too under the leadership of pteg. As one of the leading national networks, pteg produces high quality policy documents and initiatives on behalf of its members.
Acting together within UITP, we have appreciated the decisive role played by TfL and pteg, with Sir Peter Hendy acting as our President and leader for the years 2013-2015. With TfL joining pteg recently, we are convinced that this unification of the voice of all major UK public transport authorities will bring us strength and ambition when developing policy and professional positions.
