Public transport and freight systems are at the heart of how people and goods move across the UK. Buses, rail and freight networks support economic growth, enable access to jobs and services, and play a critical role in meeting environmental objectives.
This Policy Panel focuses on how these systems are planned, integrated and delivered in practice. The Buses, Trains and Freight Policy Panel focuses on improving how public transport and freight systems work together to deliver better outcomes for users, businesses and the wider economy.
Why this matters — now
The transport system is undergoing significant change, driven by:
- The need to decarbonise transport and reduce emissions
- Reform of the rail sector and the creation of new governance structures
- Increasing pressure on the road network and the need to shift freight and passenger trips to more sustainable modes
- The importance of providing affordable, reliable and accessible transport for all users
At the same time, expectations of transport are evolving. It is no longer just about movement — it is about supporting economic growth, improving quality of life and delivering wider government objectives.
Buses, trains and freight all have a key role to play in achieving these outcomes, but only if they are planned and delivered in a more integrated and coordinated way.
Our objectives
Promote the development of integrated, efficient and sustainable public transport and freight systems that support wider economic, social and environmental outcomes.
We do this by:
- Exploring how bus, rail and freight systems can work better together
- Providing practitioner insight into emerging policy and reform
- Influencing the development of policy, strategy and delivery approaches
- Sharing best practice across the profession
Who the group is for
The Panel is for anyone involved in public transport and freight, including:
- Bus and rail planning, delivery or operations
- Freight, logistics and supply chain planning
- Transport strategy and policy development
- Transport integration and network planning
Members span public and private sectors and bring a wide range of experience, reflecting the complexity of the transport system.
What we focus on
We focus on:
- The future structure and governance of the rail industry
- The role of buses and rail in delivering integrated public transport networks
- The growth and role of rail freight within the wider logistics system
- Customer experience, accessibility and affordability across modes
- The role of transport in supporting wider policy outcomes
Our work informs TPS policy positions, consultation responses and thought leadership.
What we’ve been discussing
Recent activity includes:
- Rail reform and the development of Great British Railways
- The role of rail freight in reducing road congestion and supporting decarbonisation
- Integration challenges between bus and rail services
- Accessibility and the passenger experience across the transport network
What’s next
Looking ahead:
- Contributing to national discussions on rail reform and transport governance
- Exploring opportunities to better integrate bus, rail and freight planning
- Supporting TPS policy work on sustainable transport and decarbonisation
- Developing insight and contributions to future consultation responses
Regular meetings help maintain momentum and ensure practitioner insight feeds into policy.
TPS are scoping a dedicated Freight Policy Panel, further details to follow.
Leadership
The wider group includes practitioners from across transport authorities, consultancies and industry.
Why join the Panel?
Join the Panel to:
- Be part of discussions shaping the future of transport systems
- Learn from peers working across different parts of the sector
- Contribute to policy development and industry thinking
- Help improve how transport works in practice