Local Transport Today is the authoritative, independent journal for transport decision makers. Analysis, Comment & News on Transport Policy, Planning, Finance and Delivery since 1989.

Government tables £45bn Northern rail plans - but over decades
Peter Stonham

A promised aspirational £45 billion investment in an extended Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) network has been included in a newly launched government Northern Growth Strategy. But... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

New rail cost review as Government sets strict approach to funding
Peter Stonham

A general new clampdown on rail infrastructure cost-efficiency is signalled in the Government’s Northern Growth Plan.  “Rail schemes like NPR can be a catalyst for growth, but the government will not accept the runaway costs seen previously” the Northern policy paper starkly... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Haines returns to railway to head DfT Operator – as George to chair Network Rail
Rhodri Clar

Three months after retiring from Network Rail, Sir Andrew Haines is returning to the rail industry as Chair of Department for Transport Operator Limited (DFTO), the Government body which operates England’s re-nationalised former passenger rail franchises. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News
22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Transition period expected for GBR to implement new access framework
Rhodri Clark

The DfT appeared this week to row back from a comment by one of its most senior rail civil servants that the future railway Access and Use Policy (AUP) will still be undecided in two years’ time. It also said it expected GBR to continue with the existing access framework during a transition... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

DfT addresses claim of ‘vertical fragmentation’

The DfT has explained why funding for GBR passenger operations will not be determined through the Periodic Review process which will determine GBR’s infrastructure operations, maintenance and renewal activity for 2029-34. The North East Combined Authority’s written evidence to the... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News
22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Government blocks public access to NISTA review of West Yorks rapid transit plans
Peter Stonham

The Government has blocked public access to the report from its National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority that has put a hold on planning work to deliver a new Mass Transit System for West Yorkshire (LTT929, 8 January). NISTA’s critical review of the £2.5bn project,... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Derby tramway plan put to East Midlands Mayor

A proposal for a tramway network in Derby made up of four lines has been submitted to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) by the Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA). The full network would attract about 75,000 passenger trips per day, with the majority coming from former car... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

DfT issues City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements outcome evaluations

The Department for Transport has published a number of reports evaluating the early City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) programme process in England begun in 2021, a set of case studies, and about the proposed process of evaluating outcomes, impacts and value for money through to... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News
New bike and e-scooter hire deal will save West Mids £1.4m a year

New bike and e-scooter hire deal will save West Mids £1.4m a year
Deniz Huseyin

 Lime has won the contract to operate rental bikes and... continue

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22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Islington puts Lime and Forest on ‘last warning’
Deniz Huseyin

Islington Council has issued a “last warning” to e-bike hire operators Lime and Forest, telling them to deal with dangerous parking and poor rider behaviour or risk losing permission to operate in the borough. Council Leader Una O’Halloran and Executive Member Rowena Champion... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News
22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News
22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News
SEND transport pressures demand urgent action, bus industry meeting told

SEND transport pressures demand urgent action, bus industry meeting told
Peter Stonham

Without reform of the wider SEND special needs education system,... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Measures needed now to ensure transport adapts to climate change – DfT
by Deniz Huseyin

Early investment in climate adaptation within the transport sector would reduce costs from weather-related damage and disruption as well as improving efficiency, states a new strategy document from the DfT. This can be achieved through a range of measures to build greater resilience and reliability... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Boost for active travel, buses, EV and ferry users in Scottish budget
Deniz Huseyin

The Scottish Government has increased funding for active travel and bus infrastructure to £226m, up from £188.7m the previous financial year. This is among the transport announcements in the Scottish Government’s tax and spending plans. Other allocations for 2026-27 include... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News
22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Buses should be free for everyone under 22, say Greens
Deniz Huseyin

The Green Party have voiced their support for a free bus pass for everyone under the age of 22 in England. Currently, there is no national policy, although in London, children under 18 travel for free on buses with some discounted travel for 18-25 year olds. Some bus companies in England also offer... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Welsh Labour starts election campaign with bus pledges
Rhodri Clark

Labour has made buses the subject of its first manifesto pledges ahead of the Senedd election in May. If elected, it will introduce a £2 single fare cap and 100 new bus routes. The chances of implementation look slim, however. A YouGov poll last week on Senedd voting intentions placed Labour... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Road Safety Strategy will only work if words backed with actions, groups warn
Deniz Huseyin

The Government’s new Road Safety Strategy has been largely welcomed by a diverse group of organisations, though several warned its key aims will only be achieved if backed by investment, public education, enforcement, robust data and regular  reporting. The strategy, published earlier... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News
22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

Go-bus has another go at Arriva in Kent

Another competitive bus skirmish has begun in Kent following independent operator Go-Coach (now known as go-bus) introducing a new off-peak Mondays to Fridays route between Sevenoaks and Tonbridge via Hildenborough, challenging Arriva’s long established route 402 between Sevenoaks, Tonbridge... continue

22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News
22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News
22 Jan 2026Local Transport Today News

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