TPS Reaction to Better Connected

The Transport Planning Society welcomes the publication of Better Connected and the Government’s commitment to a more people‑focused, integrated transport system across England. The strategy’s emphasis on simpler, more reliable and more joined‑up journeys reflects many of the priorities we set out in our response to the Integrated National Transport Strategy consultation last year.

We particularly welcome the ambition to expand tap‑and‑go travel across buses, trains and trams; the strengthened role for local leaders; and the investment in digital tools that will improve real‑time information sharing for passengers. These measures align closely with our call for seamless multi‑modal travel, better use of data, and empowered local “guiding minds” able to shape integrated networks that meet local needs.

The new partnership with Google to improve rural bus information, and the Hope Valley “Mini Switzerland” pilot, also demonstrate a welcome focus on improving connectivity for communities that have historically been harder to serve.

As the strategy moves into delivery, we encourage the Government to continue in this positive direction by ensuring integration extends across all relevant policy areas –particularly land‑use planning, climate, health and wellbeing – and by providing the long‑term funding and capability support needed to activate behaviour change and optimise the network.

The Transport Planning Society looks forward to working with DfT colleagues in coming months to develop some of the ideas put forward in the document, particularly in respect to integration of transport and spatial planning.