Transport Secretary Unveils Ambitious Plans for Major Transport Overhaul

New Priorities Set to Revolutionize UK Transport System

UK /10 July 2024 /Department for Transport /Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE and Louise Haigh MP — The newly appointed Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, has announced a comprehensive plan to deliver the most significant transformation in the UK’s transport sector in a generation. Emphasizing a proactive approach with the motto "move fast and fix things," Haigh has outlined five strategic priorities to revamp the nation’s transport system.

In her initial address to the Department for Transport (DfT) staff on 8 July 2024, Haigh highlighted these key priorities:

1. Improving Rail Performance and Advancing Rail Reform: Focused efforts to enhance railway operations and implement essential reforms.

2. Enhancing Bus Services Nationwide: Expanding usage and quality of bus services across the country.

3. Transforming Infrastructure: Ensuring infrastructure supports the entire nation, promoting social mobility, and addressing regional inequalities.

4. Delivering Greener Transport: Prioritizing environmentally sustainable transport solutions.

5. Better Integration of Transport Networks: Coordinating and streamlining various transport systems for improved efficiency.

Haigh's first official visit this week will center on enhancing bus services, beginning with engagement sessions with Mayors and regional leaders who are pivotal to this mission.

Haigh stated, "Our department is central to achieving the government's missions: growth, net zero, opportunity, safety for women and girls, and health. None of these can be realized without transport as a key enabler."

She also emphasized the need for DfT to consider infrastructure and services collectively at every step, while relentlessly focusing on rail performance and much-needed reforms.

Supporting Haigh in this ambitious endeavor, the newly-appointed Rail Minister, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, along with Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP, Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood MP, and Aviation, Maritime, and Security Minister Mike Kane MP, will play crucial roles in driving forward these transformative changes.

The Transport Secretary will soon be officially sworn in at the Privy Council as Secretary of State, marking the commencement of this transformative journey for the UK's transport sector.