New Mass Transit Taskforce announced

A new mass transit task force will "reshape the future of transport in towns and cities" by tackling barriers to delivering new tram, light rail and bus networks

The new taskforce will make recommendations to improve transit systems so they can be delivered more efficiently across the UK. 

Working independently, and led by Chair Bridget Rosewell CBE, the taskforce will draw on best practice from across the world to make recommendations on how mass transit systems can be delivered more quickly and efficiently.

Bridget Rosewell CBE said: "Integrated mass transit systems can transform how people move around our towns and cities, connecting communities with jobs, homes and opportunity.

"I am pleased to chair this taskforce as it looks closely at the barriers to delivery and provides practical recommendations to government and local leaders on how to turn ambition into reality."

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Join taskforce members, Mayors and MPs at Time for Trams 2026, 24 September, Coventry Technology Centre

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Other members of the taskforce will include David Milner, Managing Director of Create Streets, Richard de Cani, Chief Officer for Global Business and Markets at Arup and Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group.

Currently, factors like planning processes,fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land get in the way of delivering these systems, and the taskforce will seek to overcome these by identifying practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, and making targeted recommendations to government.

Devolving additional powers

The government is also announcing that it will consult on measures to devolve additional powers to mayors, allowing them to have final say over decisions related to public transport – including mass transit.

Known as Transport and Works Act orders (TWAOs), the devolution of these powers will ensure local leaders have more tools to deliver local transport, which meets the needs of local people.

Mass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country. Creating a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Mass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country. Creating a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing."

The work of the Mass Transit Taskforce is already underway, with evidence already being gathered ahead of its first recommendations in 6 months.

Better connected

The government’s Better Connected strategy, launched in April 2026, set out more than 40 commitments to make everyday journeys simpler and more affordable.

Among its measures, local leaders are being given new tools to introduce tap-and-go contactless travel across buses, trams and trains, replicating the joined-up systems already in place in cities like Liverpool, London and Nottingham.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: 'We have ambitious plans for our region, and a mass transit system is a key part of that – by improving connections and boosting growth.

"But we all know that there are too many blockers to delivering mass transit schemes in this country, so I welcome this taskforce and support any measures that will bring about real change.

Local leaders know their areas best – putting more powers in our hands will allow us to deliver on the change we know our communities want and deserve."

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said: "I am pushing on with our project to take the North East’s Metro system to Washington, where residents have been campaigning to be part of the network since it opened in 1980.

"That shows how much people value world-class mass transit and I’m proud to be building Metro’s first new extension for 30 years as North East Mayor. Our iconic Metro system was the UK’s first modern mass transit system when it opened in 1980 and has since carried more than 1.7 billion people.

"It is a lifeline for so many people, with over 30 million journeys every year taking people to jobs, education and other opportunities. The government’s taskforce will help support my ambition to take Metro to new places as the heart of the Angel Network, a world-class integrated transport network where buses and mass transit can best meet the needs of local people."