Message from the Chair: Transport planning hits the headlines!

Another month of lockdown passes by and I don’t know about you, but I have lost track of the weeks.  I hope that it is not proving too much of a hardship and that you are all safe and well.  

What you cannot have failed to notice is the proliferation of transport planning stories in the news headlines at the moment.  Transport, and transport planning, is of course essential to the functioning of our society particularly to get key workers to their employment.  The thorny issue of how to reopen the public transport system with social distancing was the topic of the week last week, and we had a number of approaches from journalists asking for our view, resulting in our Skills Director, Keith Buchan, being interviewed on the BBC radio news – well done Keith.

And with the government’s announcement over the weekend about investment in walking and cycling, this really does feel like a watershed moment and a huge opportunity for transport planners.   With public support for healthier modes of transport and for a new normal that respects the climate as well as supporting the economy, if we can’t deliver a better transport system now then we never will.  So, seize the opportunity and work with your clients and stakeholders and local communities to build back better now.  I’ve said it before, but I will say it again: ‘Transport planners this is your moment!’.

And finally, thanks to a very proactive TPS Board, we have lots of activities for you to get involved with and share your experiences with colleagues.  We have the Annual Lecture plus the next stage of our Covid response project, a social event, both this week, plus ongoing activities for the Transport Planning Day campaign and don’t miss the opportunity to nominate your Transport Planner of the Year – check out the rest of the Bulletin for further information.

Best wishes. 

Stephen Bennett

Chair, Transport Planning Society