Transport for the North Podcast

The lunchtime podcast session at our Annual Conference explored how the North can lead the way in improving diversity in the transport sector and what needs to be done to welcome a broader range of people into our vibrant industry, to help transform the region. Our guest panel included Mayor Tracy Brabin, Emma Antrobus, Sonya Byers, Mark Cutter and Viren Lad. They discussed how to grow a more representative workforce that reflects the variety of needs across the transport system. A more collaborative effort can lead to greater innovation and change to ensure users and workers can input into future development. Through increased diversity of voices and opinions, we can design the infrastructure and services for the people who use our transport networks the most. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! The Transport for the North (TfN) podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.

Our vision is to help build a more integrated transport system and develop a consensual position for connected travel across the North. In this latest episode of our Transport for the North Podcast, we look at our Connected Mobility Strategy and how it is focused on delivering better journeys for passengers across all modes. There is an expectation across authorities and passengers for their transport networks to be better integrated – connecting the systems they use to plan and pay for journeys to the places that matter to them. At Transport for the North, our role is to highlight a lot of the successes and best practises emerging from transport authorities that have done work in this space. Through collaborative working and knowledge sharing we can understand different needs and bridge the gaps to connect places. We want a system that works for every area of the North, from rural to urban. Key to our strategy are three themes. Firstly, the future of ticketing, including pay-as-you-go options across the North and fares reform. Secondly is data and infrastructure – what’s the best approach to getting the required technical integration across modes of transport and infrastructure. And thirdly we look at future mobility, which considers novel transport systems and how they integrate with the existing route networks. There remain gaps in governance around multi-modal ticketing and fares modelling tools, but through collaboration we want to facilitate discussions on shared packages that support outcomes and avoid funding competition. Overall, this work will enable change through building an evidence base that allows partners to really get to grips with this important issue. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by finding and following us on social media.

Rural mobility can often be left behind and forgotten about in the transport industry. In this podcast episode, we discuss our work alongside partners to develop a place-based focus on rural areas. We look at the diverse nature of those places both across the North and the UK, characterised by countryside and sparse areas, more remote areas, but also some more fringe areas on the cusp of settlements and towns. There are huge opportunities to progress schemes and initiatives in these areas through collaboration with government, stakeholders and partners to ensure actions are delivered on the priorities of rural communities. One key focus is on integrating various transport modes to better connect services and give people viable alternatives to car use. Facilitating that modal shift is an important factor in transitioning to a greener transport network and bringing communities closer together. This episode also covers how evidence-based interventions can build a more comprehensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure, further develop bus improvement plans, and help with wider health and wellbeing, including through combating transport-related social exclusion. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North!

In this latest episode of our Transport for the North Podcast, we discuss our research into transport-related social exclusion (TRSE) and the latest report to come on the back of our Connecting Communities Strategy. We’re joined by Tom Jarvis and Tom Mace, from our Strategy and Evidence team, who outline the findings from our TRSE research and what it means for the North of England. We look ahead to the future and our priorities around the issue, which include a focus on embedding TRSE decision-making into our own, and partners’, transport plans. Our latest report looks at how the cost-of-living is impacting travel choices and the links between the groups most affected. The research shows people at high risk of both cost-of-living pressures and TRSE are travelling less. The reasons why they travel is also changing. These shifts in travel patterns are in turn impacting the mental health and wellbeing of those at risk groups. Join us for this chat through the findings of our latest compelling research. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North!

Our latest podcast episode explores the ambitions in our revised Strategic Transport Plan (STP), which is out to public consultation until August 17, 2023. We discuss the key aspects of the consultation, which include a series of events, virtual engagements and forums. Our guests on the show talk through how their areas of work around Decarbonisation, Social Inclusion and Economic Growth feed into the STP, and the important relationship each sector has with another. The revised STP sets out the unique opportunities and challenges facing the North’s economy, people and communities, and how strategic transport investment can enable regional economic growth, support decarbonisation and reduce social exclusion. The vision of the Plan is broader than just transport and there is more emphasis on how we can support partners with local connectivity. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North!

In this episode, we follow up with Lucy Jacques, Acting Head of Policy & Strategy, about the development of our second Strategic Transport Plan, and the policy positions that feed into the revised document. We talk through our ambitions and actions in relation to spatial planning, and outline our role in this area – working with partners to develop the business case. It’s important we understand the need for transport alongside infrastructure and population growth, as well as the interventions that are needed to deliver for residents and businesses. We also look at the challenges the North faces in this policy landscape and the opportunities and the role of Transport for the North. Further to that, we look at the rural mobility policy position, which is a key area of our work moving forward. It’s important we recognise the diverse landscapes of the North and how the demand for transport access varies between communities. Whilst big rail schemes can help large areas, it’s as important to identify the transport options that will deliver better connectivity for more isolated groups. And finally, we look at the timeline for our new Strategic Transport Plan, and several of the current workstreams that will feed into this crucial document for the North. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! The Transport for the North podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.

In our latest One Voice podcast, we speak to Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, about business investment, transport and wider connectivity with the North. He highlights the importance of Liverpool as a port city and trade opportunities post-Brexit, as well as the benefits from the visitor economy and the region’s growth as an innovation hub. Digital connectivity is crucial for the city, he says, and will play a key role in helping people and businesses achieve their ambitions across all sectors of the economy. Mayor Rotheram says transport is hugely important for the Liverpool region and improving connectivity across the North is one of the main reasons why he believes Northern Powerhouse Rail should be seen as a genuine opportunity to look towards levelling-up the country. He also reflects on the challenges caused by the recent rail service disruption in the North, and how it is impacting people travelling for work and leisure. Other topics covered include his vision for a franchise model for the buses, a London style integrated transport system for Liverpool and the introduction of hydrogen buses to meet green-travel aims. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! The Transport for the North podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.

In the third of our One Voice podcasts, we spoke to Mayor Oliver Coppard, from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, as he approached his first 100 days in office. He reflected on the current business landscape – looking at the strong sense of innovation that runs through South Yorkshire and throughout the region’s history. Mayor Coppard says he believes there is a huge amount of opportunity within South Yorkshire which can be at the core of our future, and of economic growth. We discuss the unique challenges facing the region, namely connectivity with other parts of the country and the drive to deliver a low carbon network. But Mayor Coppard highlights how by overcoming this issues, it can power a stronger economy in the North, and across the country. Other key topics covered include concerns around the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, proposed cuts to bus services, and the crucial role high speed rail can play moving forward. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! The Transport for the North podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.

In our latest One Voice podcast, we speak to City of York Council leader, Councillor Keith Aspden. We discuss the heritage of the city – from the Romans, Vikings, railways and chocolate – to the modern business landscape that is internationally recognised. A key part of the region’s identity is its ability to reinvent and adapt to change, highlighted in the future jobs and future opportunities that are linked to the cutting-edge science, innovation and research sectors. We look at how the council is working with new businesses to create jobs for the city and how that benefits the wider region. We also highlight the importance of the East Coast Mainline in providing connectivity, and the need to deliver on the TransPennie Route Upgrade to ensure better access to all areas of the North. And as the region moves towards having a new combined authority, we discuss how the devolution deal will allow issues such as housing, climate change, and strategic transport issues can be decided locally. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! The Transport for the North podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.

In this, the first episode of our One Voice series, we speak to Mayor Jamie Driscoll from the North of Tyne Combined Authority. He talks us through the huge area he covers and the transport challenges with such a diverse landscape of rural and urban communities. Mayor Driscoll tells us about the heavy investment that has gone into renewable energy sources such as offshore wind farms and gigafactories, and how he hopes that will further grow job opportunities in the region. He reflects on the Conservative Party leadership vote and explains his key ask of the new Prime Minister. We also discuss important topics for the North including his thoughts on the Integrated Rail Plan, HS2 and private car ownership. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! The Transport for the North podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.

With the deadline approaching for the public vote on where the home of the new Great British Railways HQ should be, we continue our campaign to ensure it is #NorthBased. In this episode of our podcast, we speak to the pollical leaders championing two of the locations on the shortlist – Doncaster and Crewe. Mayor Oliver Coppard, from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, says Doncaster is the absolute front runner in the race given the area’s railway heritage and the support across the community. He says Doncaster is the natural home of the railways in the UK and in the DNA of the region. Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Craig Browne, said the headquarters should be in Crewe because it’s the only place boasting 360 degree connectivity with major towns and cities across the whole of the UK. He added that if the Government is serious about the levelling up agenda, then the GBR headquarters simply has to be in the North. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! The Transport for the North podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.

We’ve launched a campaign supporting the four shortlisted locations in the North of England bidding to be the home of the new Great British Railways’ headquarters. In this podcast episode, we speak to the political leaders representing two of the places in the running – Newcastle and York. Mayor Jamie Driscoll, from the North of Tyne Combined Authority, believes the North East has the strongest case, given its railway history, links to universities and growing battery technology industry. He says if levelling up is to be realised, then GBRHQ has to be based that far north, and as a decision making process, it can attract jobs and skills to the region. We then spoke to the leader of York City Council, Councillor Keith Aspden, who said his city has unrivalled railway heritage. He also believes being home to Great British Railways HQ builds on the railway cluster already in place in York and supports connectivity across the whole county. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! The Transport for the North podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.

In this episode, we speak to Lucy Jacques, Acting Head of Policy & Strategy, who is leading on the development of our second Strategic Transport Plan, and the policy positions that feed into the revised document. She outlines the importance of the STP as part of our statutory responsibility and explains why we need to update the plan. A lot of the evidence underpinning the original publication has evolved and there have been significant changes to the political, social and economic landscape. With a growing focus on the levelling up agenda, now is the right time to look at the North’s ambitions and vision, and what we need to deliver on that ambition. We also highlight two of our recently launched policy positions, focusing on how our role as One Voice for the North can support the further delivery of Active Travel and Multimodal Hubs. Both are growing areas of transport policy and will play an important part in supporting the decarbonisation agenda. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! The Transport for the North podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.

In this episode of our Business Matters podcast series, we are joined by Labour MP for South Shields, Emma Lewell-Buck. We talked about her pathway into politics, and how the chance to be the voice of her community really motivated her to move into public office. Throughout the interview, we touch on the industrial and shipbuilding history of the North East and how the manufacturing industry remains crucial to future prosperity. Emma emphasises the need for investment in the skills that will support emerging and green industries. We reflect on the funds announced for bus strategies in the North, and the difference better, cheaper transport could make to resolving ongoing struggles with connectivity. Emma highlights the importance of the East Coast Mainline to the region, and the true value of speaking with one voice on transport issues to benefit the whole of the North. By addressing the infrastructure issues and working to ensure Westminster understands the challenges, Emma believes the North East can become a thriving hub for investment while supporting opportunities for all communities. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! The Transport for the North podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.

In the latest episode of our Business Matters podcast series, we speak to Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for the North Board member. He discusses how the Manchester city region is “on the up” and has become Europe’s fastest growing digital and tech hub, with ambitions to be the UK’s leading green city region. With the UK’s largest student population combined with the diverse talent base already in the region, Mayor Burnham believes Manchester offers huge appeal to businesses looking to recruit in the area. But he said investment is needed to ensure the transport system is world class. He believes connectivity and integration across all modes is vital to moving away from a fragmented and unreliable service. The recent decision to bring bus services under public control, he says, will help the move to a more integrated London-style public transport network. We also discuss the role of Transport for the North in bringing both political and business leaders together to speak with one voice on the transport issues impacting the region. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North!

Join us for our most recent #TfNTalks discussion on how we can put our decarbonisation strategy into action! Out speakers included Lucy Winskell OBE (Chair, North East LEP), Mayor Jamie Driscoll (North of Tyne Combined Authority and TfN Member), Prof. Greg Marsden (Prof. of Transport Governance, ITS Leeds and Director of Decarbon8), Polly Billington (Chief Executive, UK100)and Peter Cole (Principal Environmental and Sustainability Office, Transport for the North. TfN’s Decarbonisation Strategy aims to decarbonise surface transport in the region by 2045, ahead of the legislative national 2050 Net Zero deadline. We also be discuss the Government’s national plans, including the Transport Decarbonisation Plan, which is our national policy steer for achieving Net Zero in one of our most carbon intensive sectors. With announcements of Hydrogen Transport Hubs, greener buses and micromobility trials in the North, we will also reflect on what else we need to do in the years ahead to ensure we are meeting our targets. We also consider the importance of decarbonising public transport in the North in a way that works for people, and delivers the full benefits of improved health and high-value job opportunities for the 16 million people living in the region.  TfN’s Statutory Strategic Transport Plan set out the interventions required to achieve the economic potential contained in the Northern Independent Economic Review. This included the potential for almost £100Bn added GVA above business as usual by 2050, combined with 850,000 new jobs. These vital documents are now in the process of being refreshed, so it is a timely opportunity to reflect on our priorities.

Welcome to another episode of the Transport for the North Podcast! Join our new Business Matters series, which looks at transport investment as an enabling force to encourage job creation, economic growth and increased access to opportunity for the 16 million people living here. This time we speak with Craig Whittaker MP, who tells us about his role as the Member of Parliament for the Calder Valley. He says the area has an incredibly diverse range of industries, from advanced vehicle manufacturing to TV filming, as towns in his constituency play host to Sally Wainwright's Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax! Rooted in a history of textile manufacturing, the area is now a popular place to live as a commuter location but also functions as a cultural hub for local people, with towns such as Hebden Bridge being home to a variety of successful arts venues, with historical links to poets such as Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath. Craig provides his views on levelling up, with a special recognition for the new Northern Class 195 rolling stock that has been introduced to the Calder Valley Line in recent years to replace the old pacer trains, and expresses his wishes for the line to be electrified. However, he also speaks about the important role that healthcare services and flood resilience can play with providing a better quality of life for his constituents, whilst informing us about upcoming plans. You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North! Please note that this podcast episode was recorded in February 2022.

Welcome to another episode of the Transport for the North Podcast! Join our new Business Matters series, which looks at transport investment as an enabling force to encourage job creation, economic growth and increased access to opportunity for the 16 million people living here. This time we speak with Councillor Keith Little and Dr Steve Curl, who are the TfN Member Board Members for Cumbria. They represent County Council and The Local Enterprise Partnership, telling us how improved public transport in Cumbria could strengthen the visitor economy and end transport related social exclusion in more rural areas. We evaluate the diverse range of industries situated in Cumbria, including large industrial clusters along the coastline in towns such as Barrow-In-Furness. We also consider how tourism and agriculture provide plenty of opportunities, alongside the growing number of people who choose to work remotely from home in this beautiful part of the North. Finally, we hear about Cumbria’s new Transport Infrastructure Plan and the potential it can unlock alongside plans drawn up by TfN. Listen now to find out why Cumbria is a great place to do business and what the future holds for the local economy!

Welcome to another episode of the Transport for the North Podcast! Join our new Business Matters series, which looks at transport investment as an enabling force to encourage job creation, economic growth and increased access to opportunity for the 16 million people living here. This time Gemma speaks to Mayor Tracy Brabin. As England's first female Metro Mayor and as the leader of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, she tells us about the wide-ranging benefits of setting up a business in West Yorkshire, highlighting the great mix of urban and rural living, with the potential to have a brilliant quality of life when living and working in the region. She also reviews some of the positive change that the region has seen, such as the move of Channel 4, the initiation of the National Infrastructure Bank and the Northern Department for Transport Office in Leeds. Mayor Brabin says it is crucial that we recognise the importance of seeing drastically improved connectivity to cities such as Bradford, which she says needs a new city centre through station on a new railway line between Manchester and Leeds. Bradford is the UK's youngest city, with 25% of the population under the age of 18, demonstrating the urgent need to provide better opportunities through vastly improved connectivity for communities in this area of West Yorkshire. She also calls for the HS2 Eastern Leg to be delivered to Leeds, to increase capacity on the North's network, opening up opportunities for greener freight transport and faster services. Finally, Tracy encourages listeners to get involved with her #TellTracy campaign, encouraging Northerners to share their experience on the North's rail network; you can get involved here: https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a-mayoral-combined-authority/telltracy-about-your-rail-experiences/

Welcome to another episode of the Transport for the North Podcast! Join our new Business Matters series, which looks at transport investment as an enabling force to encourage job creation, economic growth and increased access to opportunity for the 16 million people living here. This time Gemma speaks to Councillor Craig Browne, who is Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, Leader of the Independent Group and represents the Alderley Edge ward. His past career has spanned across Local Government experience, as well as charity development. He tells us about Cheshire East's contrasting business environment, with a range of manufacturing and science industries and promising future transport connectivity with the arrival of HS2 in Crewe. He also talks about divides in opportunity across the local authority, and the importance of improving East - West connectivity across Cheshire East, as well as the wider North. Green transport is also on the agenda, with plans to deliver more electric vehicle charging stations and plans to deliver improved bus networks with the right investment. We also hear about the Crewe Hub Area Action Plan and hopes for a Crewe Hub Station, hearing about the benefits that could be delivered for businesses and residents.