Mass transit systems are the future, says NIC report

Measures to discourage private car journeys should be taken seriously as an option; that’s the view of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) headed by former Network Rail CEO Sir John Armitt CBE.

In its report Getting Cities Moving - Adaptive Transport Solutions for an Uncertain Future, the Treasury’s agency says that to achieve “levelling up”, the government needs a strategy to support improved productivity in cities.

“The future role and transport needs of cities may have changed in the wake of COVID-19. It is too soon to say what the long run consequences will be - however, it is critical that this uncertainty does not lead to paralysis and inaction,” the NIC says.

It adds: “Where central government can best support cities is in providing stable and secure funding to help provide for mass transit systems, as it is planning to do in West Yorkshire.

“Mass transit systems can provide much higher transport capacity than cars, whether they use their own infrastructure or share the road network.

“Substantial investment in new forms of mass transit may be appropriate to improve capacity and the relative attractiveness of public transport.

“The Commission will consider further the funding required for these investments and their affordability in the second National Infrastructure Assessment.”

The NIC was established in 2015 as an executive agency of the Treasury to provide impartial, expert advice and make independent recommendations to the government on economic infrastructure. The Commission operates independently, at arm’s length from government.