Urban Transport Next

Urban Transport Next 06: Leading Northern Ireland's public transport transformation

In this episode, we explored what has been behind Northern Ireland's transformation in public transport which, pre-pandemic, saw record passenger numbers on the network and - uniquely among the four nations of the UK -  growth in bus use. The conversation touched on the success of the Glider Bus Rapid Transit system, the modernised rail network and what the future holds for public transport in the wake of COVID-19.

Our guest was Chris Conway, CEO of Translink Group (Northern Ireland's main public transport provider) who was interviewed by Wendy Austin MBE (Journalist, podcaster, presenter and moderator).

Urban Transport Next 05: Sharing is caring

In this episode, we discussed how shared mobility can play a bigger role in UK transport policy. The conversation touched on how shared mobility was progressing prior to COVID-19 and what impact the pandemic has had upon it; shared mobility success stories; what policies are needed to encourage take-up of shared modes; and how shared mobility can contribute to decarbonisation targets. 

Our guests were Richard Dilks, Chief Executive, CoMoUK, and Greg Marsden, Professor of Transport Governance at the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds. They were interviewed by Jillian Anable, Professor of Transport and Energy at the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds. 

Urban Transport Next 04: After the pandemic

In this episode, we explored what the landscape for public transport might look like post-pandemic. The conversation touched upon how taking both a rational and emotional approach could encourage people back to public transport; the use of technology and communications to manage returning commuter peaks, and the role of on-demand public transport services in this new, COVID-19 world.

Our guests were Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General, UITP (International Association of Public Transport) and Laura Shoaf, Managing Director, Transport for West Midlands and Chair of the Urban Transport Group. They were interviewed by Philipp Rode, Executive Director of LSE Cities.

Urban Transport Next 03: The Tyne and Wear Metro at 40

In this episode, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Tyne and Wear Metro by delving into its past, present and future. The wide-ranging discussion took in the history of Metro, hearing how devolution was key in realising the initial vision and how the system has, and continues to be, a key part of the North East’s identity. The conversation also focused on how Metro has responded to the COVID-19 crisis and what its future will look like post-pandemic, with its new fleet of trains and potential extensions to the network.     

Our guests were Tobyn Hughes, Managing Director, Transport North East and Director General of Nexus, and Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus. They were interviewed by Mike Parker, the former Director General of Nexus.

Urban Transport Next 02: All on board?

In this episode, we discussed how to bring about a more diverse transport industry - one that better reflects the people and places it serves. The conversation touched upon how to attract women, children and Millennials to transport careers; how transport employers can promote diversity and retain talent; and the impact of Black Lives Matter on the sector. 

Our guests were Staynton Brown, Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Talent at Transport for London and Joanna Ward, Women in Transport; Associate Transport Planner, Elliott Wood; Board Member, Transport Planning Society. They were interviewed by Dr Clare Linton, Policy and Research Advisor at the Urban Transport Group. 

Urban Transport Next 01: The revolution will not be motorised…

In this episode we took a look at the future of active travel in our metro areas, what needs to change, and how we can bring about a real revolution in the way we move around our cities.

Our guests were Dame Sarah Storey, Sheffield City Region Active Travel Commissioner, Ben Still, Managing Director of West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Urban Transport Group’s active travel lead, and Xavier Brice, CEO of Sustrans (interviewer).