A message from Nicola Kane, TPS Chair 

As we wrap-up another action-packed year at the Transport Planning Society, I want to say a huge thank you to all our dedicated TPS members, as well as our corporate and public sector partners for your ongoing support and engagement.

2025 has seen another packed calendar of events. Highlights included our International Quiz in March which united members across the UK and Ireland in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester and beyond in friendly competition. That same month, we also hosted a well-attended panel at Interchange 2025 in Manchester, where we explored “Joined Up Government, Anyone?”, exploring how transport planning must truly integrate across governance and policy. Over the summer, we brought together our partners and members at our summer reception, as well as attending the Transport Practitioners’ Meeting in Manchester. In September, I had the privilege of chairing a lively event in Leeds, “Freedom in the City: An Approach to Bus Network Reform” featuring Jarrett Walker - just one of many highlights in our regional events programme. In November, our flagship Transport Planning Day in London (and regional editions such as Leeds, Manchester, Cardiff and Belfast) brought us together to discuss “The Integration Imperative” and celebrated the profession with over 200 people in attendance. I also attended the Modeshift Convention in November and look forward to working more closely with them and other Partners, including ICE, CIHT, CILT, RTPI and Women in Transport in 2026.

A special word of thanks to Ben Plowden for his excellent leadership as our outgoing Chair. He led TPS with clarity and drive and has been very generous with his time in helping me to settle in as the new TPS Chair. I’m also delighted to welcome Lisa Martin as our new Operations Director. Her energy and experience will be a tremendous asset as we plan an exciting events programme and a range of other initiatives in 2026 (watch this space…!). Lisa will dedicate one day a week to the role, alongside her existing role with Steer.

Our Board of Directors has worked tirelessly once again this year, running our skills programme, policy panel, bursary scheme, and our Transport Planner of the Year initiative amongst much else. From April 2026, we’ll have some vacancies on the Board as several of our Directors come to the end of their term on the Board. If you’re passionate about transport planning and ready to dedicate time and energy to supporting the work of the society, we’d love your nominations in January. Do message me at chair@tps.org.uk if you want to know more about what being a Board Director involves. 

Thanks also to JFG Communications for their ongoing comms and engagement support. 

Wishing you a joyful festive season and a year full of learning and collaboration ahead. Here’s to 2026!

Nicola Kane
Chair, Transport Planning Society