South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, is calling a transport summit, to build the vision for the future of the region’s public transport.
He said a transport network which serves South Yorkshire’s needs is key to a better-connected, more sustainable and healthier region.
But he warned that while South Yorkshire and regions like it had been promised a “London-style transport network” by 2030, its residents are currently contending with looming cuts to bus services and cancelled trains, reports the Business Desk.
The summit will bring together leading experts and will hear from a series of speakers with national and international experience to share best practice, discuss ideas and find solutions to fix the public transport network.
Mr Coppard said: “Fixing South Yorkshire’s public transport system is critical for our region to thrive. If we want to grow our economy, get healthier and create great places to live, a smarter, greener, faster public transport system is vital.
“That’s why I want to bring together experts in the field to help us fix our broken public transport system.
“If the Government aren’t going to do it, we need to take matters into our own hands and figure out what a ‘London-style transport network’ that works for South Yorkshire looks like. That’s what this summit will help us do.”
South Yorkshire’s active travel commissioner, Ed Clancy, said: ‘Since becoming South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, I’ve met with people who want to walk and cycle more, but don’t feel like they can.
“Mostly that’s because people say they don’t feel able to walk or cycle, or that they don’t feel safe enough to do so on our current infrastructure.
“Ultimately, we want people to be happier, healthier and get to where they need to be easier.
“I believe walking and cycling is an important part of that and it must work in harmony with our plans for buses, trams and trains.”
The South Yorkshire Transport Summit will take place on 1 March at the National College of Advanced Transport & Infrastructure in Doncaster.
