Over 3.3 million people in the North are living in areas at a high risk of transport related social exclusion - Lord McLoughlin

The North has so much to showcase, from its vibrant communities, buzzing cities, stunning national parks, the abundance of talented people, and a wealth of high-performing businesses. But there is still much more that can be done to make the North even better, enabled by an effective, efficient and integrated transport system.

The issues on the rail network here are well-known. The impact of unreliable rail services for those living in the North does not just mean personal anguish for the commuter, but it also has a knock-on effect to the wider economy at a cost of some £8m a week. And yet the recovery since the pandemic reminds us that our rail services remain an essential part of our transport system.

It's deeply concerning that over 3.3 million people (over 20 per cent) in the North of England are living in areas at a high risk of Transport Related Social Exclusion (TRSE). The lack of a viable and affordable transport choice contributes to serious impacts on their wellbeing, health, and limits access to opportunities. While this isn't to suggest that there aren’t problems elsewhere, our evidence shows the rate is higher in the North.

It is these lesser known, as well as the well-known, transport issues that we know people, communities and business are experiencing. It is why we want to hear from you in the coming weeks to help us get our refreshed STP right.

These challenges only grow in complexity amidst rapidly changing working habits, regeneration, and cost of living pressures, but we all know that transport plays an essential role in our everyday lives. From our daily commute, to visiting family, friends connecting people to jobs, health, education, and leisure opportunities, allowing the efficient movement of goods and services. Whether it be by bus, train, bicycle, on foot or by car, transport is the glue that builds and connects our cities, people and places.

That’s why the draft STP looks at transport in terms of multimodal interventions, including rail, road, and international connectivity, and why it focuses on the needs of both passengers and freight. It highlights how investment in the North’s infrastructure contributes to achieving agreed outcomes on reducing carbon emissions, improving health, and achieving sustainable economic growth.

The need to decarbonise our transport system remains a priority and one that requires urgent action, and we must do more to ensure that our transport system is more equitable, enabling everyone to realise their potential. Our ground-breaking Transport Decarbonisation Strategy highlighted the need to address transport’s contribution to the climate emergency and the urgency of the transport sector acting to address the challenge and set out our pathway for near zero emissions from surface transport in the North of England by 2045.

The draft STP is underpinned by an industry leading evidence base that ensures we understand both the size of the prize and the scale of the challenge we face. It will in due course become the statutory transport plan for the North and will be used to identify investment priorities for transforming connectivity and decarbonising our transport network. This STP is about effecting change in the way we plan, develop, and implement solutions with our partners. We need to simplify our approach to funding, have more flexibility in the application of the funding available, and ensure that it is targeted towards the delivery of outcomes that are place-based and put the user at the heart of decision-making.

The North needs a transport network that unlocks its full economic potential, enables decarbonisation and creates more opportunities for all. New research from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and Atkins warns of a ‘Northern brain drain’ of the younger generation where 34 per cent of 16 to 21-year-olds feel a lack of public transport options limited their choice of school, college, or work. And 62 per cent living in towns or rural areas experienced unreliable public transport.

TfN’s vision is of a thriving North of England, where modern transport connections drive economic growth and support an excellent quality of life for all, including these young people; as well as the future generations to come. And the STP will be our roadmap that sets out how we reach our final destination and the scale of the prize ahead.

Lord Patrick McLoughlin is the chairman of Transport for the North.