ITS has welcomed the Transport Select Committee’s latest inquiry into integrated transport, highlighting the vital role that technology plays in creating seamless journeys across the UK.

The ‘Joined-up Journeys’ inquiry will explore how Government can better coordinate transport across modes and regions while improving accessibility, user experience, and supporting key national goals such as economic growth and net zero. The inquiry comes ahead of the Government publishing an Integrated National Transport Strategy, which aims to create a more seamless, connected transport network. This inquiry, will appraise what a strategy like this needs to include to be successful.

Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of ITS UK, said:

“We’re pleased to see the issue of integrated transport continue to gain traction across Parliament and Whitehall. This inquiry rightly recognises that better integration is about the holistic end-to-end journey and ensuring it is seamless and accessible for a variety of transport users.

“Technology and data play a vital role in delivering this vision – from Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and integrated ticketing, to real-time journey planning, and connected infrastructure. These technologies already exist and are at play in the UK but, without a clear national strategy, political will and sufficient funding, their rollout remains fragmented, with the risk that some areas fall behind.

“We’re pleased the Committee will also be looking at how to better measure the benefits of integrated transport – a key step towards embedding it in appraisal and funding decisions going forward. A truly joined-up network must prioritise the user experience alongside supporting wider goals like decarbonisation, productivity, economic growth and public health. We look forward to engaging with the inquiry and sharing insights from our members who are working every day to make seamless, accessible journeys a reality.”

(Pic: ITS UK)