Government publishes integrated transport strategy

Fri 03 April 2026 View all news

The Government has published a new integrated transport strategy - 'Better Connected' - which aims to deliver simpler, more reliable and better joined-up journeys for people across England.

The Government describes Better Connected as a call to action for everyone who works in transport across England to work together to deliver a system that works for people, no matter their need, and one that supports our ambitions for economic growth and access to opportunity.

The priorities of the strategy are to:

  • Simplify payments and information

  • Provide safe and dependable journeys

  • Make travel accessible and affordable

  • Create healthier communities

  • Align transport and development

  • Champion data and technology

  • Empower local leaders

  • Optimise decision-making and appraisal

Amongst key elements are the introduction of more contactless, 'tap-and-go' travel to give local leaders tools to join up buses, trams and trains. It also includes a new Google Maps partnership to track rural buses, ‘Mini-Switzerland’ Peak District trials and a New National Parking Platform to reduce problems with the proliferation of parking apps.

The Government says that there are more than 40 fully funded commitments in the new strategy, designed to make everyday journeys simpler, easier to pay for and more reliable from door-to-door.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "For too long, getting from A to B has been more complicated than it needs to be. People want journeys to be easy and reliable. They want to be able to get off a train and straight on to a bus without having to battle through a confusing system or buy separate tickets for each part of their journey.

"That’s why we’re giving local leaders the powers to build transport networks that are simpler, more accessible and better connected, improving everyday journeys and supporting growth in every corner of the country."

The report has been informed by a lengthy consultation and engagement process (in which Zemo Partnership representatives participated) with transport workers, councils, businesses and transport organisations as well as the general public. It aims to establish a shared vision for transport, that is safe, reliable, affordable and accessible and which enables people to make the journeys they need to more easily.

The Government says that the vision is supported by three guiding principles that will underpin how transport is designed, built and operated:

  • We will ensure that people are at the heart of everything we do, so the transport system serves them no matter their need or background.

  • We will use transport to create better connected places across the country to ensure that communities can thrive.

  • We will work in partnership across government, with local leaders and the transport sector so that decision-making is effective, collaborative and delivers the right outcomes for people and places.

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